New York: Sudan and South Sudan are among five global hunger hotspots of highest concern, trapped in a worsening cycle of conflict, climate shocks, and economic decline. Continued fighting in Sudan, anticipated flooding impacting its southern neighbor, and deteriorating economic conditions in both countries are set to intensify hunger in the coming months. Over 57 percent of the population in South Sudan is already facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
According to United Nations, the main driver of hunger is conflict, often compounded by climate and economic shocks. Jean-Martin Baucer, FAO food security analysis director, highlighted the ongoing famine in Sudan and the risk of famine in Gaza, all driven by conflict and lack of access for humanitarians. In Gaza, the entire population of 2.1 million people is projected to experience crisis levels of food insecurity in the upcoming months due to protracted military operations, with almost 500,000 facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity.
The report also noted that climate shocks and conflict often cause prolonged economic declines, reducing the purchasing power and self-sustaining capacity of households and communities. In Gaza, individuals like Sawsan, once an artist, have been displaced by conflict, losing all possessions and struggling to feed their families.
In recent months, humanitarian food operations have faced significant food shortages, further complicated by security crises that make aid delivery dangerous. WFP and FAO are urging the international community to substantially increase funding for food and nutrition-related humanitarian aid and to advocate for an end to the fighting. Cindy McCain, WFP executive director, emphasized the urgency of investment in food assistance and recovery support, as the opportunity to prevent further hunger devastation is closing fast.
The food aid sector estimated a need for $12.2 billion in May, yet only nine percent of this has been funded. The report stresses the importance of shifting towards longer-term humanitarian strategies that enable communities to become self-sustaining and are less costly. McCain described the report as a "red alert," underscoring the necessity for funding and access to save lives.