NEWS – Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024 released

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

• The GRFC is an annual publication.
• Released by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN).
• Launched by the Global Network Against Food Crises
• Involves various entities: United Nations agencies + European Union (EU) + United States Agency for International Development (USAID) + Non-governmental agencies
• Objective – Aims to address and mitigate food crises globally + Provides valuable insights and data for policymakers and stakeholders

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2024

Overview of Food Insecurity

• In 2023, nearly 282 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity across 59 countries.
• The share of the population facing acute food insecurity remained high at almost 22%, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels.

Drivers of Food Crisis

1. Conflict and Insecurity
   • Primary driver in 20 countries, directly impacting 135 million people.
   • Gaza Strip and Sudan experienced severe crises, with Sudan facing one of the worst food crises globally.
2. Extreme Weather Events
   • Main driver in 18 countries, affecting over 72 million people.
   • El Nino event and climate change-related phenomena exacerbated food insecurity due to extreme weather.
3. Economic Shocks
   • Third main driver in 21 countries, leading to over 75 million people facing acute food insecurity.
   • Decreasing global food prices did not alleviate food insecurity in low-income, import-dependent nations.

Regional Impact

• Gaza Strip and Sudan saw significant increases in acute food insecurity due to conflict and insecurity.
• Southeastern Sudan, a key cereal production region, faced severe food crisis amid armed conflict.

Displacement and Food Insecurity

• Over 90 million people were forcibly displaced in the 59 countries, with Sudan experiencing the largest internal displacement crisis.
• Displacement correlated highly with acute food insecurity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these crises.

IPC Analysis and Famine Risk

• IPC analysis indicated imminent famine in North Gaza and a risk of famine across the rest of the Gaza Strip.
• About 1.1 million people in Gaza were estimated to be experiencing catastrophic acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 5).

Call for Urgent Response

• UN Secretary-General emphasized the need for urgent action to transform food systems and address underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition.

Positive Developments

• Food security improved in 17 countries, resulting in 7.2 million fewer people facing acute food insecurity.
• Efforts from various stakeholders, including UN agencies and NGOs, are crucial in tackling food crises globally.