Two UN food agencies warn of 16 famine hotspots, including Syria

Two UN food agencies warned today that millions of people around the world could face famine, as funding shortages exacerbate already dire situations.

The joint report issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) stated that conflict and violence are the main drivers of severe food insecurity in most of the countries at risk.

The two Rome-based agencies listed Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen among the worst-affected countries, "where populations face an imminent risk of catastrophic hunger."

Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria were deemed "of grave concern," along with Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

"We are on the brink of a completely avoidable hunger catastrophe that threatens widespread famine in many countries," said World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McKean, warning that inaction "will only lead to more instability, migration, and conflict."

The report noted that humanitarian aid funding is "critically short," with only $10.5 billion of the $29 billion needed to help those at risk having been raised.

The World Food Programme said that due to funding cuts, it has reduced assistance to refugees and internally displaced people and suspended school feeding programs in some countries. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that efforts to protect agricultural livelihoods are under threat, "and are essential for stabilizing food production and preventing a recurrence of crises."

It added that funding for seeds and livestock health services is needed "before planting seasons begin or new shocks occur."