Hunger Surges Across Africa and middle East Amidst Overlapping Crises

Hunger rates in Africa and the Middle East saw a meaningful increase in 2024, a trend attributed to a confluence of war, trade tensions, and extreme weather events that continue to drive up food costs, according to a recent United Nations report.

Sergio Cantone reports for Euronews that the UN’s 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report indicates that over 307 million Africans and 39 million individuals in the Greater Middle East experienced hunger last year.

The report highlights a critical disparity in climate finance, noting that small-scale farmers, who are responsible for a third of global food production and up to 70% of Africa’s food supply, receive less than 1% of available climate finance. This lack of support undermines their crucial role in ensuring food security.

The situation in Gaza is notably dire, with the entire population facing acute food insecurity, marking the worst recorded hunger crisis in IPC history.

Álvaro Lario, president of the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development, stated, “It’s a mixture between the conflicts, some of the disruption or shocks caused by economic or trade tensions and also the climate shocks. These are the three main drivers.”

This escalating food insecurity is no longer isolated to single failed harvests or conflicts. Rather,it is indeed driven by interconnected crises that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Climate change-induced droughts and floods are devastating crops, while trade disputes and ongoing wars disrupt global supply chains and inflate food prices. Smallholder farmers, who are vital to feeding rural populations, lack the necessary resources to adapt to these challenges.The cumulative effect is a persistent rise in hunger, which in turn fuels migration, destabilizes economies, and exacerbates humanitarian needs. In regions like Gaza, where conflict has decimated infrastructure, the food shortages have reached catastrophic levels, underscoring how global economic, political, and environmental shocks can converge to push millions into extreme hunger.

For further insight, explore how droughts tied to climate change are pushing water, food, and ecosystems to the brink.

Historically, food security has been a persistent challenge in many parts of Africa and the Middle East, frequently enough exacerbated by political instability and environmental factors. However, the current surge in hunger rates is notable for the interconnectedness of its drivers. climate change, with its increasing frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods, directly impacts agricultural yields. Together, global trade dynamics and geopolitical conflicts create volatility in food prices and availability, disrupting established supply chains. The vulnerability of smallholder farmers, who often operate with limited resources and access to technology, makes them particularly susceptible to these shocks. This situation creates a cyclical pattern where food insecurity can lead to social unrest, further hindering development and exacerbating humanitarian crises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary drivers of the increased hunger rates in Africa and the Middle East?

The primary drivers are a combination of ongoing conflicts, economic and trade tensions, and climate shocks such as droughts and floods.

how does climate change contribute to food insecurity?

Climate change leads to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, which can destroy crops, reduce yields, and disrupt agricultural practices, thereby increasing food costs and scarcity.

What is the role of small-scale farmers in global food security?

Small-scale farmers are crucial, producing a significant portion of global food and a large percentage of food in Africa. However, they receive minimal climate finance, hindering their ability to adapt to climate change and maintain food production.

What is the situation in Gaza regarding food security?

Gaza is experiencing the most severe hunger crisis ever recorded in IPC history, with its entire population facing acute food insecurity due to conflict-related devastation.

7 · Compliance & Disclaimers

This article discusses global food security and economic factors. It does not constitute health, financial, or legal advice.

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