According to the WFP's latest report, an estimated 343 million people across 74 countries are facing acute food insecurity. This represents a 10% rise from the previous year, signaling a growing crisis that is inching closer to the record levels of hunger experienced during the global food crisis that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. The sharp increase in food insecurity is attributed to a range of factors, including conflict, climate change, economic instability, and the enduring effects of the pandemic.
The WFP’s Global Outlook has underscored the mounting difficulty of delivering aid to those in need, particularly in regions that are plagued by ongoing conflicts. Areas such as East Africa, the Sahel, and parts of the Middle East have seen food insecurity levels worsen, with violence and political instability disrupting supply chains and humanitarian efforts. The report also stresses that while food assistance is urgently required, the resources needed to meet the growing demand are insufficient.
The situation is particularly dire in countries like Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia, where conflicts, droughts, and economic collapse have combined to exacerbate food insecurity. According to WFP’s spokesperson, the situation is “an evolving crisis,” and more countries are slipping into a food crisis due to factors that were unforeseen just a few years ago. The organization has warned that without significant increases in funding, millions of lives will be at risk in the coming years.
Alongside the sharp rise in acute hunger, the WFP has observed an alarming trend of "silent hunger," where large numbers of people are facing malnutrition and food insecurity, yet are not classified as acutely hungry. This form of hunger, which is characterized by chronic undernutrition, has been increasingly difficult to tackle, as it often goes unnoticed until it reaches severe levels.
The impact of climate change is also becoming more evident in the WFP’s 2025 Outlook. Extreme weather events, such as floods, heatwaves, and prolonged droughts, are disrupting agricultural production and displacing millions. The report notes that this year alone, over 30 million people have been affected by climate-related disasters, significantly impairing their access to food. In countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, where seasonal monsoons have been heavier than usual, many farmers have lost their crops, contributing to a spike in food prices and scarcity.
The WFP also pointed out that food prices are continuing to rise, driven by supply chain disruptions, inflation, and global economic shifts. Countries that were already vulnerable to economic shocks, such as those in the Horn of Africa, are seeing skyrocketing food prices, making it even harder for families to feed themselves. This surge in prices, coupled with currency depreciation, is creating a situation where even those who can afford food are facing reduced access to it due to inflated costs.
Another key factor contributing to the rise in food insecurity is the continued impact of the war in Ukraine. While Ukraine was once one of the world's top exporters of grain, the ongoing conflict has devastated its agricultural sector, significantly reducing global grain supplies and driving up prices worldwide. This has put enormous pressure on countries in Africa and the Middle East, which are heavily reliant on grain imports. The ripple effects of this conflict are being felt far beyond the immediate region, as global food prices continue to climb.
The WFP’s Global Outlook report also highlights the role of local conflicts in fueling hunger. From the ongoing civil war in Yemen to the conflicts in the Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo, violence has played a key role in destabilizing local economies and agricultural systems. Millions of people in conflict zones are unable to access food, and humanitarian aid organizations face immense challenges in delivering support due to security concerns.
Despite the dire projections, the WFP has urged the international community to act decisively. The US$16.9 billion requested by the WFP is a critical part of its efforts to prevent the situation from worsening. This funding will be used to provide life-saving food assistance, support livelihoods, and build resilience in vulnerable communities. The WFP has also called for a greater focus on the longer-term solutions to food insecurity, emphasizing the importance of improving agricultural productivity, strengthening supply chains, and addressing the root causes of conflict and poverty.