FAO-WFP Warn of Worsening Hunger in 13 Hotspots, Nigeria Added to High Concern List

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) have issued a stark warning: acute food insecurity is projected to intensify for millions across 13 countries designated as "hunger hotspots" from June to November 2026.

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At the same time, the number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity in these countries has risen to around 266 million.

The latest Hunger Hotspots report, released by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC), identifies Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, and Palestine as the world's most critical areas facing severe and widespread hunger. Notably, Nigeria has been added to the list of countries of highest concern, with projections indicating that populations in Borno State could face catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity, including starvation and extreme malnutrition.

Somalia is also categorized in this high-risk group, with populations in the Bay region of Burhakaba District facing a potential risk of famine. The report attributes these dire conditions primarily to armed conflict and violence, which affect 12 of the 13 hotspots. These factors are exacerbated by economic shocks, significant funding shortfalls for humanitarian aid, and the growing risks associated with a forecasted El Niño event, which could bring erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods to already vulnerable regions.

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This is due to recent events such as the ripple effects of the conflict in the Middle East and the Ebola outbreak in areas of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These added shocks risk further disrupting livelihoods, markets and humanitarian access.

FAO and WFP are calling for urgent action, highlighting unprecedented funding shortfalls for humanitarian responses. Funding for food assistance, emergency agricultural aid, and nutrition in food crises has dropped by an estimated 59% between 2022 and 2025, returning to levels seen nearly a decade ago. This reduction in aid comes as the number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity in these countries has risen to approximately 266 million. The report also warns that recent events, such as the ripple effects of the conflict in the Middle East and an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, risk further disrupting livelihoods, markets, and humanitarian access.

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we already know where the next hunger emergencies will occur.