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Two United Nations (UN) food agencies have warned that millions more people worldwide could face famine as funding shortfalls exacerbate already critical conditions.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) issued a joint report on Wednesday highlighting 16 countries where food insecurity is most acute.
The agencies said that conflict and violence are the primary drivers of hunger in most of the nations identified.
Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen were highlighted as the most urgent cases, with populations there facing “an imminent risk of catastrophic hunger.”
Countries of “very high concern” include Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria, while Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and the plight of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh were also cited.
“We are on the brink of a completely preventable hunger catastrophe that threatens widespread starvation in multiple countries,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain.
She warned that inaction “will only drive further instability, migration, and conflict.”
The report also highlighted a severe funding gap. Of the $29 billion required to assist those at risk, only $10.5 billion has been received. As a result, WFP has already scaled back aid for refugees and displaced people and suspended some school feeding programmes.
FAO cautioned that efforts to protect agricultural livelihoods—essential for sustaining food production and preventing recurring crises—are under threat.
Urgent funding is required for seeds, livestock health services, and other agricultural support before planting seasons begin or further shocks hit vulnerable populations.
