According to a report by the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations, at least 33 million people globally are suffering from acute hunger, a number set to hit a new high by the end of this year. This figure is a 20% increase from the numbers last year, and numerous factors contribute to this dire situation. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, conflicts, economic instability, and extreme weather events are all responsible. The report has identified 18 “hotspots” of severe hunger across 22 countries, and aid agencies have issued the highest alert level for acute hunger in Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen. The situation in vulnerable countries has been worsened by climate extremes, leading to calls for urgent humanitarian action.
Despite the global challenges, the report emphasizes that some countries are suffering more than others. The UN has warned that more than five million people in Nigeria’s conflict-hit northeast region face acute food shortages, leading to an increased risk of famine, as the lean season looms. Women and children comprise more than 80% of those in need in the region, which has been affected by the Boko Haram insurgency since 2009. The conflict has displaced more than two million people, killing at least 35,000 others. Over the past five years, an unprecedented number of malnourished children now live in the conflict zone as the impact of hunger bites harder on them and their families.
Similarly, the number of people facing acute food insecurity rose by 20% to 811 million in 2020, up from 202 million in 2019. The gender gap has also increased, with women reportedly more affected by hunger than men. The Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, World Food Programme, Unicef, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development attribute the increase to conflict, climate extremes, and economic shocks, with the impact of Covid-19 still felt globally. They have called for bolder action and food support aligned with agriculture to reduce the number of people facing hunger to zero by 2030.
The report has identified 22 countries as “hotspots” at risk of acute food insecurity. Economic crises in poor countries, rising fears linked with the El Nino climatic phenomenon, and the possible spillover from the conflict in Sudan are some of the factors contributing to food insecurity. Conditions worsened last year in vulnerable countries such as Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. The situation in these countries has continued this year and requires urgent interventions. Humanitarian agencies are calling for support in the agricultural sector to prevent starvation and death, promote long-term solutions, and address the root cause of food insecurity.
In conclusion, the increasing number of people affected by acute hunger globally is alarming, with the situation worsening for vulnerable countries and groups. A coordinated humanitarian response is required to save lives and livelihoods. Additionally, support for agriculture in affected areas can provide long-term solutions and promote food security. The report demonstrates the need for action to tackle the root causes of food insecurity such as conflict, climate change, and unstable economies. The world must step up to address this issue and work towards a hunger-free world by 2030.
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