The World’s Largest Food Crises 2026

30.6 million people facing acute food insecurity

Nigeria ranks first globally in the total number of people facing acute food insecurity. This figure is projected to rise to 34.7 million during the lean season.

Nearly 6.4 million children under five are expected to experience acute malnutrition by September 2026, while approximately 786,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women will require malnutrition treatment.

27.7 million people facing acute food insecurity

Last year, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) experienced one of the world’s most severe food crises, with approximately one in four people facing severe food insecurity. The eastern provinces were among the hardest hit.

The malnutrition crisis in the DRC is equally alarming, with 4.18 million children under five facing acute malnutrition and nearly 1.54 million pregnant and breastfeeding women requiring malnutrition treatment.

24.6 million people facing acute food insecurity

Sudan’s hunger crisis continues, with at least 19.5 million people projected to face acute hunger in 2026. IPC analyses have identified famine conditions in two regions of Sudan, with 20 additional areas at risk.

An estimated 4.2 million children and pregnant and breastfeeding women are projected to experience acute malnutrition in 2026, a 12% increase compared to 2025 estimates.

18.1 million people facing acute food insecurity

Yemen is experiencing a rapid deterioration in food security. More than 18 million people, over half of the country’s population, are estimated to be facing acute food insecurity.

Malnutrition levels are equally concerning, with more than 2.2 million children under five expected to experience acute malnutrition and 1.3 million pregnant and breastfeeding women requiring malnutrition treatment.

24.6 million people facing acute food insecurity

Food insecurity remains one of Afghanistan’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. An estimated 17.4 million people are expected to face crisis-level or worse acute food insecurity.

The nutrition situation also remains critical. In 2026, an estimated 3.7 million children under five and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are expected to experience acute malnutrition.

24.6 million people facing acute food insecurity

Myanmar experienced one of the sharpest deteriorations in food security globally last year. Projections indicate that 12.4 million people will face acute food insecurity by mid-2026.

The malnutrition crisis is also intensifying, although data on acute malnutrition in Myanmar remains limited.

16 million people facing acute food insecurity

Bangladesh continues to face one of the world’s major food crises, with approximately 16 million people experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.

An estimated 15.3 million people are projected to experience crisis-level food insecurity between May and August 2026, rising to 18.1 million between September and December.

11 million people facing acute food insecurity

An estimated 10.6 million people across 51 rural areas of Pakistan are experiencing acute food insecurity. The crisis is particularly severe in vulnerable communities frequently affected by climate-related shocks.

Malnutrition remains a critical public health concern, with an estimated 2.71 million children affected by acute malnutrition, including nearly 706,000 experiencing severe acute malnutrition.

7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, continues to experience one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally. Approximately 7.8 million people are facing food insecurity, with famine risks persisting in some areas.

Between April and July 2026, an estimated 2.2 million children under five experienced acute malnutrition, while 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women required malnutrition treatment.

7.2 million people facing acute food insecurity

Despite some improvements, Syria remains one of the world’s most severe hunger crises. Approximately 7.2 million people are experiencing extreme food insecurity, while 15.6 million people require humanitarian assistance in 2026.

An estimated 500,000 children under five are affected by acute malnutrition, which can be life-threatening without timely treatment. Around 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are also affected by acute malnutrition.