This report provides an analysis of food security and evolving needs and an update on main figures related to WFP’s response.
While drivers of food insecurity are interlinked, and the impact of economic shocks and natural hazardshave grown in importance in recent years, 65 percent of acutely food-insecure people live in fragile or conflict-affected contexts.
FAO and WFP have jointly warned that between June and October 2024, acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in 18 hunger hotspots. Hotspots of highest concern are Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan and Sudan.
This year, 309 million people are estimated to face acute levels of food insecurity in the 71 countries with WFP operations and where data is available. This number does not yet account for the expected updated analyses from Sudan and Palestine.
An estimated 37.2 million people across 47 countries will be in Emergency or worselevels of acute food insecurity in 2024, and require immediate emergency assistance to save lives and livelihoods.
An estimated 24.5 million children are predicted to be acutely malnourished in the 15 countries withthe highest burden in 2024. The convergence of threats may further increase the number of children and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls (PBWG) affected by acute malnutrition.
Following a peak in 2022, the current funding landscape is affecting the entire humanitarian sector, forcing WFP – and many others – to scale back assistance and refocus efforts on the most severe needs. As a consequence, nearly all of WFP’s largest operations have reduced or plan to substantially reduce their operational plans.
To adapt, WFP is re-budgeting and continues maximizing available resources, while boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of its work so that programmes get further on every donor dollar.
From January to March, WFP was able to reach 62 million people with food, cash, commodity vouchers,and capacity strengthening. This is 34 percent less compared to the same period last year, mainly due to reduced funding levels compounded by access constraints.
For 2024, WFP has adjusted its plan from 150 million people as shared in the February edition of this report to now 139 million people based on projected needs.
FAQs
An estimated 37.2 million people across 47 countries will be in Emergency or worse levels of acute food insecurity in 2024, and require immediate emergency assistance to save lives and livelihoods.
How many people are food insecure in 2024? ›
According to the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises, nearly 282 million people in 59 countries and territories experienced high levels of acute hunger in 2023 — up 24 million from the previous year. The increase was due to the report's increased coverage of food crisis contexts.
Will there be a food shortage in 2024? ›
2024 looks to be ushering in another groceries shortage. Here's what you need to know. The pandemic led to food shortages in everything from toilet paper to personal protection equipment — and it also introduced many food and produce shortages.
What countries are most affected by world hunger? ›
The world's hungriest countries. Haiti, Mali, Sudan, South Sudan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories are the countries with the highest levels of hunger. We must act now to avoid catastrophe.
Is there a food shortage in the United States? ›
Access to Food
A: There are currently no nationwide shortages of food, although in some cases the inventory of certain foods at your grocery store might be temporarily low before stores can restock.
What are the most food insecure states in the US? ›
These states have the highest percentages of American households who experienced hunger: Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, and Missouri.
How many Americans live in poverty in 2024? ›
The United States is considered the richest country in the world, and yet 37.9 million (11.5%) of its residents live in poverty. Poverty is measured in two ways – absolute poverty and relative poverty. Absolute poverty looks at the goods and services someone (or a family) cannot obtain.
Are we going through a famine? ›
Conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes and soaring fertilizer prices are combining to create a food crisis of unprecedented proportions. As many as 309 million people are facing chronic hunger in 71 countries.
What country is currently of highest concern in regards to famine? ›
The DRC is the world's largest hunger crisis, fueled by over 25 years of conflict and endemic poverty. 23.4 million people (about the population of Texas) are severely hungry today and over 6 million people have been displaced from their homes. In 2023, we reached 5.4 million people throughout the country.
How much of a threat is famine to the world? ›
Today, the world stands on the brink of unprecedented famines. About 30 million people are experiencing alarming hunger, severe levels of food insecurity and malnutrition in north-eastern Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen. 10 million of them are facing emergency and famine conditions.
As of mid-March 2024, famine was projected to occur by the end of May in the two northern governorates of the Gaza Strip. Broader regional ramifications are emerging, which could exacerbate already high food security needs in Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic.
