Acute Food Insecurity Set to Worsen in 18 Hunger Hotspots by April 2024: FAO and WFP Report

November 3, 2023

Acute food insecurity is on the rise in 18 hunger hotspots, according to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP). These hotspots encompass 22 countries and territories, with the report covering the period from November 2023 to April 2024. The selection of these hotspots is based on expert consensus and analysis of various factors.

Identifying the Hotspots

The countries and territories identified in the report include Burkina Faso, Mali, Sudan, South Sudan, Niger, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Palestine, Syrian Arab Republic, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Djibouti, Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In all these regions, food security is expected to significantly deteriorate over the next six months.

Highest Concern Areas

Four African countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, South Sudan, and Sudan—are at the highest level of concern due to escalating conflict and violence. Additionally, Palestine was added to the list of highest concern areas due to a severe escalation of conflict in the Gaza Strip in October 2023.

High-Risk Areas and Key Drivers

Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Pakistan, Somalia, the Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen are identified as high-risk areas in the report. Key drivers of food insecurity in these regions include conflict, dry climatic conditions, economic shocks, high food prices, and extreme weather events.

Impact of Weather Extremes

Weather extremes, such as heavy rains, tropical storms, cyclones, flooding, drought, and increased climate variability, continue to play a significant role in driving acute food insecurity in certain countries and regions.

Escalating Food Insecurity in Mali and Burkina Faso

Mali and Burkina Faso, already facing high levels of acute food insecurity, are expected to experience further increases during the forecast period. Escalating violence is exacerbating already severe access constraints in these regions.

Persistent Food Insecurity in South Sudan

South Sudan is expected to face critical levels of food insecurity even after harvests begin in October. This is due to insufficient crop production, high staple food prices, and a lack of resources to support returning populations from Sudan.

Sudan’s Ongoing Food Crisis

Sudan continues to grapple with a food crisis due to the devastating effects of conflict on livelihoods, agriculture, and the economy. Internal displacement of 4.4 million people between April and October 2023 has further worsened acute food insecurity.

The Importance of Humanitarian Response

The report underscores the importance of averting the further deterioration of acute food insecurity and malnutrition. However, humanitarian access remains limited in various ways, including insecurity due to organized violence, administrative hurdles, and movement restrictions.

Recommendations

The report provides country-specific recommendations for emergency response and anticipatory actions to address existing humanitarian needs and ensure short-term protective interventions before new needs arise. The information in the report is based on data available up to October 17, 2023.

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