Sudan had largest number of people facing extreme food shortages in 2023, UN report shows
Sudan had the world’s largest number of people facing extreme food shortages in 2023 as conflict and displacement drove food insecurity globally, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The war between rival generals meant Sudan accounted for two-thirds of the additional 13.5 million people needing urgent help last year, while conflict also plunged Gaza into the world’s most severe food crisis with its entire population facing high levels of food insecurity. Globally, more than 281 million people in 59 countries faced high levels of acute food insecurity according to the Global Report on Food Crises, published today, with economic crises and extreme weather also contributing. Despite the scale of Sudan’s hunger crisis, with 20.3 million in the country facing acute food insecurity, the FAO warned of underfunding. Rein Paulsen, its emergencies director, said it was crucial to get more financing for emergency agriculture to ensure Sudanese farmers can produce food during the upcoming planting season. “The risk of famine is here, the risk of famine is real, but there is a window of opportunity to act,” said Paulsen. “Farmers need to be preparing their land now already, in April, seeds have to get in the ground in June. One thing is clear – if we have a main cereal cropping season that is compromised or that is not successful, we know that there is going to be a much worse situation coming in the months ahead.” Follow link to read full article...