Mogadishu, Somalia – (African Boulevard News) – The world has been hit hard by acute food insecurity as three percent of the global population struggled to access food last year. According to a new report, nearly 250 million people in 79 countries experienced acute food insecurity in 2022, a 20 percent increase from 2021. Seven countries faced an extreme situation that led to starvation and death – Somalia, Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Yemen.
The report, released by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Program (WFP), and other partners, warns that conflict, economic shocks, and climate-related disasters are the main drivers of food insecurity. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened the situation, with lockdowns and border closures disrupting food supply chains and exacerbating poverty.
“Acute food insecurity is a complex and protracted crisis that requires urgent action from the international community,” said David Beasley, the WFP Executive Director. “We cannot stand by and watch millions of people suffer from hunger and malnutrition. We need to invest in long-term solutions that address the root causes of food insecurity and build resilience.”
Somalia is among the countries where acute food insecurity has reached alarming levels. Years of conflict and recurrent droughts have left more than 5.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, with 815,000 children suffering from malnutrition. The situation has been further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted livelihoods and food supply chains.
Mohamed Ahmed, a nutrition expert in Somalia, says urgent action is needed to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. “The situation is dire, and without immediate assistance, many people, especially children, are at risk of dying from hunger and malnutrition,” he said.
The report calls for coordinated international efforts to address the root causes of acute food insecurity and prevent future crises. It also recommends expanding social protection programs, investing in rural livelihoods, and implementing climate-smart agriculture practices to build resilience in vulnerable communities.
In conclusion, the world is facing a humanitarian crisis as millions of people are struggling to access food due to conflict, economic shocks, and climate-related disasters. Urgent action is needed to prevent starvation and death, especially in the seven countries where acute food insecurity has reached alarming levels. The international community must work together to address the root causes of food insecurity and invest in long-term solutions to build resilience in vulnerable communities.
