Rising hunger predicted across 16 global hotspots
Food insecurity in 16 global regions, spanning 14 countries and two regional clusters, is expected to intensify from November 2024 through May 2025, according to a recent UN report.
Image credit: FAO-WFP
A recent FAO-WFP report projects that during the outlook period from November 2024 to May 2025, acute food insecurity will likely worsen in 16 hunger hotspots, which include 14 nations and two regional clusters of eight countries.
The areas at the highest alert levels include Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali. Other affected areas with high alert levels include Chad, Lebanon, Myanmar, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen.
Since May 2024, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have been categorized as hotspots with a high alert level.
The total number of people facing acute food insecurity across these regions is nearly 170 million.
This includes 31.8 million in Nigeria, 21.1 million in Sudan, 19 million in Yemen, 15.8 million in Ethiopia, 13.3 million in Myanmar, 12.9 million in the Syrian Arab Republic, 7.1 million in South Sudan, 6 million in Zimbabwe, 5.8 million in Zambia, 5.7 million in Malawi, 5.5 million in Haiti, 4.4 million in Somalia and 3.8 million in Chad.
The report gives country-specific recommendations for immediate emergency responses and preventive steps to address basic human needs and develop short-term measures before new crises emerge. It focuses on the most severe and worsening acute hunger situations.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warn in the report that acute food insecurity is expected to worsen.
“The situation in the five hunger hotspots of highest concern is catastrophic. People are experiencing an extreme lack of food and face unprecedented, prolonged starvation fueled by escalating conflicts, climate crises, and economic shocks,” said QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General.
Dongyu also said that a truce is urgently needed to prevent acute starvation and malnutrition, alongside efforts to restore access to nutritious food and revive local food production. However, these measures alone are insufficient; long-term stability and food security are essential.
According to the FAO Director General for food security, peace is crucial, as farmers need a stable environment to grow, harvest, and maintain their livelihoods. Access to nutritious food is recognized not only as a basic need but as a fundamental human right.
“Worldwide, conflicts are escalating, economic instability is rising, and climate disasters are becoming the new norm. With more effective political and financial support, humanitarians can and will continue to implement proven, scalable solutions to address hunger and reduce needs over the long term,” said Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director.
McCain added that world leaders must step up and collaborate with the organization to help millions of people suffering from starvation.
The upcoming La Niña weather pattern, expected to affect global climates from November 2024 to March 2025, will likely worsen existing food challenges.
Although some areas may see improved agricultural conditions, La Niña could cause severe floods in Nigeria and South Sudan and dry conditions in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. These extreme weather events jeopardize already vulnerable food systems, putting millions at risk of starvation.
References:
1 New UN report warns of conflict-induced famine and catastrophic hunger in 5 major hotspots alongside the looming La Niña climate threat in others – WFP – October 31, 2024
2 Hunger Hotspots – GNAFC – Accessed November 2, 2024
3 FAO–WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity: November 2024 to May 2025 outlook – FAO – Accessed November 2, 2024
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