The United Nations has issued a grave warning about rising hunger levels across the world, identifying Nigeria and twelve other countries as high-risk zones where famine could strike if urgent humanitarian action isn’t taken.
In a joint report released Monday by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), global agencies detailed a growing food emergency fueled by war, economic collapse, and climate-related disasters. Titled Hunger Hotspots, the report forecasts an alarming escalation in food crises over the next five months unless humanitarian access improves and funding gaps are closed.
Top Crisis Zones Identified: Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti on the Brink of Famine
Five countries—Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali—stand at the edge of famine, the report notes. In these locations, food insecurity has reached catastrophic levels due to prolonged conflict, economic breakdown, or environmental devastation.
Gaza’s population of over two million faces extreme hunger due to military bombardment and blockades, with nearly 500,000 people at risk of famine by September. In Sudan, relentless violence has disrupted farming and displaced millions, placing 25 million people in danger of severe food shortages.
South Sudan is battling deadly floods and political instability, leaving 7.7 million at risk, while in Haiti, escalating gang violence has cut off food access for thousands, with 8,400 already suffering from starvation-level hunger. Mali’s worsening conflict and grain inflation could push thousands into famine by August.
Nigeria’s Situation: Severe Hunger Risk Without Immediate Intervention
While Nigeria has not reached famine status, the UN places it among countries of “very high concern.” Insecurity, soaring inflation, displacement, and poor agricultural output are combining to worsen the crisis. Northeastern and northwestern regions remain most vulnerable due to insurgencies and banditry.
According to FAO’s Cadre Harmonisé assessment, over 30.6 million Nigerians may face acute food shortages by August, including displaced persons, children, and low-income families. The situation continues to deteriorate, especially in rural areas where farming is increasingly disrupted by insecurity and erratic weather patterns.
How Famine Is Declared: Global Criteria Explained
The UN outlines specific criteria for declaring a famine:
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At least 20% of a population faces extreme food scarcity,
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30% of children suffer from acute malnutrition,
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A daily death rate of two or more per 10,000 people due to starvation or hunger-related illness.
Although Nigeria hasn’t crossed these thresholds, conditions in some areas may reach them soon if the crisis persists.
Three Key Drivers Behind Global Hunger
The FAO-WFP report identifies the main factors intensifying global hunger:
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Armed Conflicts: Ongoing violence in countries like Sudan, Mali, South Sudan, and Nigeria continues to displace populations, destroy farmland, and hinder food distribution.
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Economic Shocks: High inflation and weakening currencies are making basic foods unaffordable, particularly in Nigeria, where many households now struggle to meet daily nutritional needs.
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Climate Disasters: Severe flooding, drought, and irregular weather patterns are damaging crops and livestock, compounding food insecurity in many countries, including across West and Central Africa.
Urgent Global Appeal for Funding and Access
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain called the situation a “red alert,” urging the international community to act quickly. “We know who’s at risk, and where. But without immediate access and funding, we cannot save lives,” she warned.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the importance of sustaining agriculture during crises. “We must protect farms, livestock, and food systems to help vulnerable communities survive and recover,” he said.
To avoid large-scale famine, the report calls for:
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Immediate scaling up of food aid and nutrition services,
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Secured humanitarian corridors,
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Agricultural investments in climate-resilient farming,
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Long-term peacebuilding strategies.
Some Progress Offers Hope
Not all countries in the previous watchlist remain under threat. The report noted improvement in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Lebanon, which have been removed from the critical hunger list due to stabilization in conflict and better food system support.
Conclusion: The World Must Act Before It’s Too Late
The FAO and WFP are calling for immediate international mobilization to prevent a global hunger catastrophe. Without urgent action, countries like Nigeria may soon join the ranks of those already battling famine. The warning is clear—if access is denied and funding delayed, millions could face the consequences of inaction.
