‘Catastrophic’ hunger persists in multiple countries, warn food agencies
31 October 2024
New York/Geneva/Rome – More than 220 million people worldwide are now facing an acute food crisis, according to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the European Union (EU).
The number of people facing acute food insecurity has increased by 40 million since last year, and is at its highest level since the organization began tracking global levels of food insecurity in 2017.
The report, “Global Report on Food Crises 2023”, finds that the main drivers of food insecurity are conflict, economic shocks, climate variability and extremes, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conflict
Conflict remains the leading driver of acute food insecurity, accounting for 60 percent of those facing crisis-level hunger. The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is among the most concerning, with millions of people displaced and the country’s food production system disrupted. Other conflict-ridden countries, such as Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Syria, are also facing widespread food shortages.
Economic shocks
The global economic slowdown, rising inflation, and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are also contributing to food insecurity. Many households are struggling to afford food, and the rising cost of living is making it difficult for people to access nutritious diets.
Climate variability and extremes
Climate change is also a major contributing factor to food insecurity. Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and cyclones, are becoming more frequent and intense, and these are having a devastating impact on agricultural production. In some parts of the world, climate change is also causing long-term changes to the climate, such as desertification, which is making it difficult for people to grow food.
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on food security, both directly and indirectly. The pandemic disrupted global supply chains and caused widespread economic damage, which led to food shortages and higher prices. The pandemic also led to school closures, which meant that many children missed out on school meals, which are an important source of nutrition for many.
The situation is ‘catastrophic’
The report warns that the global food crisis is “catastrophic” and that urgent action is needed to prevent a further deterioration in the situation. “The number of people facing acute food insecurity is growing rapidly, and we are seeing some of the highest levels of hunger in decades,” said WFP Director David Beasley. “We need to act now to prevent a global catastrophe.”
**The agencies are calling for a number of urgent measures to address the food crisis, including:
Increased humanitarian assistance
The agencies are calling for increased humanitarian assistance to meet the immediate needs of those facing hunger. This includes food assistance, cash transfers, and other forms of support. They are also calling for greater investment in long-term development programs that can help build resilience to food insecurity and malnutrition.
Peacebuilding
The agencies are also calling for greater efforts to promote peace and stability in conflict-affected countries. Conflict is a major driver of food insecurity, and it is essential to address the root causes of conflict in order to create a more sustainable and food-secure world.
Climate action
The agencies are also calling for urgent action to address climate change. Climate change is a major threat to food security, and it is essential to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change on agricultural production.
The global food crisis is a complex and challenging issue, but it is a problem that can be solved. By working together, the international community can take steps to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, and create a world where everyone has access to enough food to live a healthy and productive life.
‘Catastrophic’ hunger persists in multiple countries, warn food agencies
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