The United Nations has raised fresh concerns about a looming global hunger crisis, naming Nigeria and Mali among 16 countries facing the highest levels of food insecurity.
In a joint report released on Wednesday, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warned that millions of people around the world could slide into famine as conflict, economic shocks, and funding shortages continue to worsen food conditions.
According to the report, conflict and violence remain the main drivers of hunger across the affected regions, with humanitarian operations facing growing challenges in reaching vulnerable populations. The agencies identified Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen as the most critical “hunger hotspots,” where populations face an imminent risk of “catastrophic hunger.”
Nigeria, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, and Syria were classified as countries of “very high concern.” Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh were also included in the list.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain described the situation as a “completely preventable hunger catastrophe,” warning that inaction could lead to “further instability, migration, and conflict.”
The report noted that funding for humanitarian relief has fallen “dangerously short.” Out of the $29 billion required to support vulnerable communities, only $10.5 billion has been received. As a result, WFP said it had been forced to reduce food assistance for refugees and displaced persons and suspend school feeding programmes in several countries.
The FAO also expressed concern that efforts to protect agricultural livelihoods were at risk due to funding cuts, stressing that immediate support for seeds, livestock, and farm inputs is needed to prevent future crises.
The agencies called on the international community to act urgently to avert widespread famine and restore stability in the affected regions. UN Lists Nigeria, Mali Among 16 Global Hunger Hotspots
The United Nations has raised fresh concerns about a looming global hunger crisis, naming Nigeria and Mali among 16 countries facing the highest levels of food insecurity.
In a joint report released on Wednesday, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warned that millions of people around the world could slide into famine as conflict, economic shocks, and funding shortages continue to worsen food conditions.
According to the report, conflict and violence remain the main drivers of hunger across the affected regions, with humanitarian operations facing growing challenges in reaching vulnerable populations. The agencies identified Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen as the most critical “hunger hotspots,” where populations face an imminent risk of “catastrophic hunger.”
Nigeria, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, and Syria were classified as countries of “very high concern.” Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh were also included in the list.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain described the situation as a “completely preventable hunger catastrophe,” warning that inaction could lead to “further instability, migration, and conflict.”
The report noted that funding for humanitarian relief has fallen “dangerously short.” Out of the $29 billion required to support vulnerable communities, only $10.5 billion has been received. As a result, WFP said it had been forced to reduce food assistance for refugees and displaced persons and suspend school feeding programmes in several countries.
The FAO also expressed concern that efforts to protect agricultural livelihoods were at risk due to funding cuts, stressing that immediate support for seeds, livestock, and farm inputs is needed to prevent future crises.
The agencies called on the international community to act urgently to avert widespread famine and restore stability in the affected regions.
