A dire warning has been issued by the United Nations (UN), highlighting a growing global crisis that threatens to push millions into famine. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) have identified Nigeria and 15 other countries as "hunger hotspots," where acute food insecurity is deepening rapidly.
The latest report, covering November 2025 to May 2026, paints a grim picture. In 14 of the 16 hotspots, conflict and violence are the primary drivers of hunger. The FAO-WFP report warns that time is running out to prevent a catastrophic situation, with millions more at risk of starvation.
"Conflict, economic shocks, extreme weather, and funding shortages are creating a perfect storm of dire conditions," the report states. "Despite the urgency, funding is severely limited, and we are facing a race against time to provide lifesaving assistance on a large scale."
The report identifies six countries and territories of highest concern: Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen. Populations in these regions face an imminent risk of catastrophic hunger. Another six countries, including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, and the Syrian Arab Republic, are classified as "very high concern." The remaining four hotspots are Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and the Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh.
"Humanitarian funding is falling dangerously short as these hunger hotspots edge closer to disaster," the report warns. "As of October 2025, only a fraction of the required $29 billion had been received, leaving severe shortfalls that are crippling emergency responses."
The consequences are dire. Ration cuts, reduced access to food for vulnerable groups, and the suspension of critical nutrition and school feeding programs are leaving children, refugees, and displaced families at extreme risk. FAO emphasizes that funding shortages are undermining efforts to protect agricultural livelihoods, which are essential for stabilizing food production and preventing recurring crises.
"Without urgent financing, we risk losing the opportunity to provide vital livelihood support before the planting seasons begin or new shocks occur. This will erode resilience and increase the risk of future crises," the report cautions.
To prevent famine, FAO and WFP stress the importance of early action and investment in long-term food security and resilience. "The world's early warning systems are effective, but we must move from reacting to preventing crises," said QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General. "Famine prevention is not just a moral duty; it is a smart investment in long-term peace and stability."
The two agencies urge governments, donors, and partners to act urgently, emphasizing the need for unimpeded humanitarian access in conflict-affected areas. "We are facing a completely preventable hunger catastrophe that threatens widespread starvation. Mothers are sacrificing their meals for their children, and families are struggling to survive with little left. We need new funding and access now to prevent further instability, migration, and conflict," said WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain.
FAO and WFP emphasize that famine is preventable, but it requires political will, leadership, adequate funding, and collective accountability. Millions of lives hang in the balance, and decisive action is needed now.
