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| Understanding the 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis |
The 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC) sheds light on the dire situation faced by millions worldwide, revealing that approximately 282 million individuals across 59 countries and territories grappled with severe hunger in 2023. This marks a significant increase of 24 million from the previous year, with a startling statistic showing that 1 in 5 people assessed required urgent intervention.
Key Insights:
- Child Malnutrition: Alarmingly, 36 million children under the age of 5 suffered from acute malnutrition across 32 countries, indicating a grave concern for future generations.
- Worsening Conditions: Acute malnutrition worsened in 2023, particularly among displaced populations, emphasizing the vulnerability of those already marginalized by conflict and insecurity.
- Consistent Struggle: 36 countries have consistently been featured in GRFC analyses since 2016, underscoring the persistent challenge of hunger, which disproportionately affects the world's most vulnerable populations.
- Imminent Famine: A staggering 705,000 people faced the imminent threat of starvation in 2023, marking the highest number recorded in GRFC's reporting history. The Gaza Strip, alongside South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Mali, accounted for a significant portion of those at risk.
Drivers of Food Crises:
The report identifies three primary drivers exacerbating acute food insecurity:
- Conflict and Insecurity: Impacting 20 countries and affecting 135 million people.
- Extreme Weather Events: Affecting 18 countries and 77 million people.
- Economic Shocks: Impacting 21 countries and affecting 75 million people.
These interlinked drivers underscore the fragility of food systems, rural marginalization, poor governance, and inequality, often leading to mass displacement of populations.
Breaking the Cycle:
To address these crises effectively, the Global Network Against Food Crises advocates for a transformative approach integrating peace, prevention, and development efforts alongside emergency interventions. Long-term investments in food systems, agricultural and rural development, as well as crisis preparedness, are essential to alleviate acute hunger.
The Way Forward:
The international community must honor its commitments to tackle the food crisis. Recent initiatives from the G7 and G20 demonstrate a collective effort to address this pressing issue. The Global Network Against Food Crises stands ready to leverage its expertise to strengthen cooperation between global initiatives, ensuring impactful and innovative solutions for those affected.
About the GRFC:
Produced annually by the Food Security Information Network and launched by the Global Network Against Food Crises, this report highlights acute food insecurity globally. It identifies main drivers such as conflict, extreme weather, and economic shocks, advocating for long-term investments to transform food systems and alleviate hunger.