Global report on food crises 2018
The 2018 Global Report on Food Crises (PDF), by the Food Security Information Network, provides the latest estimates of severe hunger in the world. An estimated 124 million people in 51 countries are currently facing crisis food insecurity or worse. Levels of acute malnutrition in crisis-affected areas remain of concern. The rise in insecurity compared with 2017 can be largely attributed to new or intensified and protracted conflict or insecurity, the main drivers of food insecurity. Food-insecure people in need of urgent action in conflict affected countries accounted for 60 percent. Another major driver of food insecurity are climate disasters, especially persistent drought. These main drivers of food insecurity (conflict, displacement and climate shocks), along with outbreak of diseases and limited access to basic health, drinking water and sanitation services have created a bleak malnutrition situation in many countries. Conflict and insecurity will likely remain major drivers of food insecurity crises. The impact of severe dry weather on crop and livestock production is likely to heighten food insecurity in pastoral areas. There is a critical need for agencies to work together to improve the reliability of data, which need to be readily available to all parties. No significant improvement in food security can be expected globally until peace is achieved and livelihoods restored. Food security, nutrition and livelihood-based interventions will be vital to save lives, build resilience and contribute to sustaining peace.
The key messages of the report can be found here.