FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE- The number of food-insecure people in East and Central Africa has surged to 73 million in April, up from 69.2 million in February, according to a report released Monday by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The report attributes the increase to protracted conflict and insecurity, which have obstructed humanitarian efforts, disrupted supply chains, hindered agricultural production, and displaced communities, leading to widespread food shortages.
The worst-affected countries include Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Central African Republic (CAR), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Kenya, Djibouti, Uganda, and Tanzania are also impacted.
The institutions warned that escalating conflicts in the eastern DRC, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the CAR are likely to worsen food and nutrition insecurity, causing mass displacement, economic collapse, and limited humanitarian access. These crises are expected to increase regional instability and the need for aid.
With no signs of improvement, the report highlighted the challenges posed by a shifting funding landscape, as donors reduce contributions, further hindering effective aid delivery to those in need.