FAO, WFP Warn of Global Famine Risk Amid Funding Shortfalls

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

Two United Nations food agencies have sounded the alarm that millions more people worldwide could face famine if urgent funding gaps are not addressed.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Wednesday that conflict and violence remain the primary drivers of acute food insecurity in many countries already at risk.

“We are on the brink of a completely preventable hunger catastrophe that threatens widespread starvation in multiple countries,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. She warned that failing to act “will only drive further instability, migration, and conflict.”

The report highlights Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen as facing the highest risk of catastrophic hunger, while Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria are classified as countries of very high concern. Other areas of worry include Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and the situation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

The UN agencies stressed that funding shortfalls are worsening the crisis. Out of the $29 billion needed for humanitarian relief this year, only $10.5 billion has been received.

“Funding gaps are forcing WFP to reduce assistance for refugees and displaced people, and suspend school feeding programmes in some countries,” the report noted.

The FAO also highlighted that agricultural livelihoods are at risk, endangering food production and the ability to prevent future crises. Urgent funding is needed for seeds, livestock health services, and support for farmers, particularly before planting seasons or new shocks occur.

“Without immediate support, millions of vulnerable families may face hunger, malnutrition, and long-term instability,” the agencies said.