'Acute Hunger: A Global Crisis Exacerbated by Conflicts and Climate Change
The Global Report on Food Crises, released in March 2023, presents a grim picture of acute hunger worldwide, with nearly 282 million people across 59 countries facing severe food shortages. This alarming figure represents an increase of 24 million individuals compared to 2022, a testament to the deteriorating food security situation globally.
The report identifies war-torn Gaza as the epicenter of the crisis, with the territory hosting the largest population facing famine. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has plunged Gaza into a protracted humanitarian crisis, with over 80% of those facing imminent famine residing within its borders.
Conflict: A Major Driver of Food Insecurity
Conflict remains a significant driver of food insecurity, with several war-torn nations experiencing catastrophic hunger. South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Mali are among those countries where thousands face the dire consequences of conflict-induced food shortages.
In addition to Gaza, the report highlights the role of conflict in exacerbating food insecurity in Haiti, where gangs control vast areas of the capital, disrupting food distribution and access.
Climate Change's Impact on Food Security
Climate change is another major contributing factor to food insecurity. The El Nino phenomenon, which peaked in early 2024, is projected to have significant impacts on food security throughout the year. Flooding and erratic rainfall patterns in East Africa and severe drought in Southern Africa, particularly in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, are expected to worsen food availability and access.
A Roll Call of Human Failures: The Secretary-General's Call to Action
Commenting on the report, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried it as a 'roll call of human failings,' emphasizing that in a world of abundance, children continue to die from starvation. He attributed the worsening crisis to conflicts that have erupted over the past 12 months, compounding an already dire global situation.
Guterres highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has created the world's highest concentration of people facing catastrophic hunger. He also drew attention to the year-long conflict in Sudan, which has triggered the world's largest internal displacement crisis, with severe consequences for hunger and nutrition.
Acute Hunger Emergency: A Step Below Famine
Beyond those facing imminent famine, over 36 million people in 39 countries and territories are facing an acute hunger emergency, often referred to as Phase 4, just one step below famine. Sudan and Afghanistan together account for over a third of this population.
Funding and Access: Essential Elements for Addressing Food Insecurity
The report underscores the importance of funding and access as essential elements in addressing acute food insecurity. Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the need for urgent action to address the underlying causes of acute hunger and malnutrition while transforming food supply systems.
Arif Husain, the World Food Program's chief economist, echoed the need for increased funding and access, highlighting that the number of acutely food-insecure people has more than doubled since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Global Report on Food Crises is a collaborative effort involving 16 partners, including UN agencies, regional and multinational bodies, the European Union, the US Agency for International Development, technical organizations, and others, providing a comprehensive overview of the global food security situation.'
