The United Nations has raised a dire warning about the growing threat of acute food insecurity in several countries, with Nigeria joining the list of "hunger hotspots" where the situation is expected to deteriorate further in the near future. According to a joint early warning report from the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization, at least 18 crisis locations are at risk of experiencing acute food insecurity if immediate assistance is not provided.
The report, released in June 2024, highlights the alarming situation in South Sudan, where the number of people facing starvation and death is projected to nearly double between April and July 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The devastating hunger crisis in South Sudan is attributed to tight domestic food supplies, sharp currency depreciation, and the compounding effects of likely floods and recurrent waves of subnational conflict.
In addition to South Sudan, the report identifies Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, the Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen as hotspots of "very high concern." These countries are facing critical levels of acute food insecurity, coupled with worsening drivers that are expected to further intensify life-threatening conditions in the coming months.
Since October 2023, several countries, including Nigeria, have joined the list of hunger hotspots, alongside Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. The Central African Republic, Lebanon, Mozambique, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, and Zambia have also been added to the list, indicating a growing concern for the global food security situation.
While conflict remains one of the primary drivers of food insecurity, the WFP and FAO report emphasizes the significant role of climate shocks, particularly the lingering effects of El Niño. Although the weather phenomenon is coming to an end, its impact has been severe and widespread, leading to devastating droughts in southern Africa and extensive floods in east Africa.
Looking ahead, the report warns of the potential impact and "looming threat" of La Niña between August and February 2025. The weather pattern is expected to significantly influence rainfall, potentially leading to a climate shift with "major implications" in several countries. This could result in flooding in South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Chad, Mali, Nigeria, and Sudan, further exacerbating the already dire food security situation.
The UN agencies stress the urgent need for immediate humanitarian action delivered at scale to prevent further starvation and death. The window to avert catastrophe is narrow, and the world must act swiftly to provide the necessary aid and support to those in desperate need. The report serves as a pressing call for international cooperation and rapid response to prevent further deterioration of food security in these critical regions.
As the global community grapples with the challenges posed by conflict, climate change, and economic instability, it is crucial to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable populations and work towards sustainable solutions to address the root causes of food insecurity. The UN's warning about the imminent acute food insecurity crisis in Nigeria and other nations underscores the importance of timely and effective interventions to prevent widespread suffering and loss of life.
