The joint report from the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, and the World Food Programme, WFP, released on Wednesday, highlights how funding shortfalls are exacerbating already dire conditions in several countries.

The report outlines the critical need for humanitarian aid in regions affected by conflict and violence, with these factors driving acute food insecurity in the majority of the nations at risk. Among the most affected countries are Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen, where populations face an imminent threat of catastrophic hunger.

Other countries categorized as being of “very high concern” include Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria. Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and the plight of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are also highlighted as areas of growing concern.

“We are on the brink of a completely preventable hunger catastrophe that threatens widespread starvation in multiple countries,” warned WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. She stressed that the failure to address the crisis would only lead to further instability, migration, and conflict.

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The agencies emphasized that humanitarian relief efforts are facing a significant funding gap. Of the $29 billion needed to assist those at risk, only $10.5 billion has been received to date.

The WFP noted that due to funding cuts, aid to refugees and displaced populations has been reduced, and school feeding programs in some countries have been suspended.

Meanwhile, the FAO raised concerns about the sustainability of agricultural livelihoods, which are crucial to stabilizing food production and preventing recurring crises. The agency stressed that immediate funding is needed for essential services, such as seeds and livestock health support, especially ahead of planting seasons or in anticipation of new shocks.

As global food insecurity intensifies, the international community is urged to take swift action to prevent the escalation of this preventable disaster.

Source: Punch