UN Lists Nigeria, Mali Among Global Hunger Hotspots.

Children.

The United Nations has raised alarm over a worsening global hunger crisis, warning that millions more people could soon face famine as funding gaps continue to deepen.

In a joint report released on Monday, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) identified conflict and violence as the main drivers of severe food insecurity in most of the countries at risk.

The Rome-based agencies listed Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen as the most critical nations “where populations face an imminent risk of catastrophic hunger.”

Countries classified under “very high concern” include Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria. Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and the Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh also featured on the list.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain cautioned, “We are on the brink of a completely preventable hunger catastrophe that threatens widespread starvation in multiple countries.” She warned that failure to act swiftly “will only drive further instability, migration and conflict.”

According to the report, funding for humanitarian assistance has fallen “dangerously short,” with only $10.5 billion received out of the $29 billion needed to help those at risk.

Due to financial constraints, WFP disclosed it had scaled back aid for refugees and internally displaced persons, and even suspended school feeding initiatives in some regions.

The FAO also warned that crucial efforts to safeguard agricultural livelihoods were in jeopardy, emphasising that these were “essential for stabilising food production and preventing recurring crises.”

The agency stressed that urgent funding was needed to provide seeds and livestock health services “before planting seasons begin or new shocks occur.”