UN-backed Study: BD among core countries in global food insecurity
A United Nations-backed report released on Friday (24 April) has revealed that nearly two-thirds of people facing severe food crises last year were concentrated in just 10 countries, with around one-third located in Sudan, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Global Report on Food Crises, compiled with data from the United Nations, the European Union and various humanitarian agencies, identified conflict as the leading cause of acute food insecurity.
It warned that ongoing conflicts and climate-related shocks are likely to maintain or worsen conditions in many regions, painting a “bleak” outlook for 2026.
According to the report, acute food insecurity remains heavily concentrated in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Sudan,
Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
While some countries, including Bangladesh and Syria, showed signs of improvement, these gains were largely offset by worsening conditions in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar and Zimbabwe.
In a significant and troubling development, the report confirmed famine conditions in two separate contexts within the same year for the first time in its decade-long history — in Gaza and parts of Sudan.
Overall, approximately 266 million people across 47 countries or territories experienced high levels of acute food insecurity last year.
This represents a sharp increase compared to 2016, with the figure nearly doubling over that period.
The report also highlighted a steep decline in international aid, raising concerns that existing crises could deepen.
It warned that tensions in the Middle East risk exacerbating the situation by increasing displacement in a region already hosting millions of refugees, while also driving up fertiliser costs.
The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil transit route — has contributed to rising fertiliser prices, as production depends heavily on oil-based inputs.
Alvaro Lario, head of the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), noted that these developments come at a crucial time in the agricultural calendar.
“Now we are in the planting season,” he said. “This current food shock — driven by rising energy and fertiliser prices — is likely to have a significant impact on production.”
Lario called for increased support for small-scale farmers, including investment in water-efficient and climate-resilient crops.
He also emphasised the importance of local fertiliser production and improved soil health to reduce dependency on costly inputs.
In addition, IFAD is working to encourage greater investment from local private sectors.
Lario stressed that creating the right financial tools and incentives for domestic businesses is essential to ensure long-term sustainability and to maximise the impact of development funding.
