Conflicts and climate change have significantly worsened conditions, with regions such as Sudan and Gaza suffering some of the most acute impacts.
The semi-annual Global Food Crises Report for 2024, released today, covers the period up to the end of August and emphasizes the urgent need for increased humanitarian funding and comprehensive efforts to address the root causes of food crises. UN officials stressed that conflicts and climate change are the main drivers, and if not addressed, worsening conditions could lead to broader famines.
Sharp Increase in Global Hunger
According to the report, the number of people facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity has surged dramatically. In 2024, 1.9 million people across four countries or regions are facing such conditions, compared to 705,000 people in five countries in 2023. This represents more than a two-fold increase in just one year.
Gaza's Food Crisis Reaches Historic Levels
The report singles out Gaza as experiencing the most severe food crisis ever recorded in the history of the Global Food Crises Report. Maximo Torero, Chief Economist at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), noted that nearly 2.2 million residents in Gaza remain in dire need of food and humanitarian assistance.
Between March and April 2024, half of Gaza’s population was enduring famine conditions, a sharp rise from a quarter of the population during December 2023 to February 2024. While the forecast suggests a slight decrease in this proportion—down to 22% of the population, or approximately 495,000 people—between June and September 2024, the report cautions that the risk of famine remains.
Call for Immediate Action
UN officials underscored the need for coordinated international responses to prevent further deterioration. "We must address the root causes of these crises—conflict and climate change—if we are to mitigate the impact of food insecurity and avoid even greater tragedies," the report concludes.
This latest warning follows growing concern over the global hunger crisis, which continues to claim lives and devastate communities worldwide. (ILKHA)