Why is it in the news?

• Recently, a global report on food crises from the Food Security Information Network (FSIN)

Key findings of the Report

• In 2023, approximately 282 million people globally suffered from acute hunger due to conflicts, extreme weather events, and economic shocks.
• This marked the fifth consecutive year of rising food insecurity, with an increase of 24 million people compared to 2022.
• The report highlighted worsening conditions in conflict-affected regions such as Gaza and Sudan, as well as in areas experiencing extreme weather events.
• The situation was particularly dire in Gaza, where about 700,000 people, including 600,000 children, were on the brink of starvation in 2023.
• Protracted major food crises persisted in countries like Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Syria, and Yemen.
• Political instability and reduced agricultural production worsened conditions in countries like Haiti, where armed groups seized agricultural land and stole crops.
• Extreme weather events like the El Nino phenomenon threatened to exacerbate food insecurity, particularly in West and Southern Africa.
• Conflict or insecurity was identified as the main cause of acute hunger in 20 countries or territories, affecting 135 million people.
• Extreme climatic events and economic shocks also pushed millions of people into acute food insecurity in various countries.
• Although the situation improved in 17 countries in 2023, significant challenges remained in addressing food insecurity globally.
• According to the UN Secretary-General, there is a urgent need for adequate funding to address the food crisis, which was not keeping pace with the growing need.