Analysts are watching hunger grow across Africa and the Middle East as IPC data point to conflict, climate shocks, and funding gaps. This page answers the most common questions readers have when they see headlines about rising hunger, and points to what relief and policy responses are being discussed. Below you'll find concise FAQs that cover who’s affected, why it’s happening, how many people are in crisis, and what’s being done about it.
IPC findings flag severe hunger in South Sudan, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Yemen as focal points. Gaza and parts of Sudan are also highlighted for famine-level concerns in 2025. The pattern shows multiple regions where conflict, climate shocks, and disrupted aid are driving acute food insecurity.
The spike is driven by a mix of armed conflict, climate-related shocks like drought and floods, economic decline, and funding shortfalls for relief work. These factors compound each other: conflict disrupts farming and aid delivery, while climate events worsen food shortages and prices, and reduced donations limit relief capacity.
IPC assessments indicate millions are in crisis-level food insecurity across the highlighted regions. Child malnutrition risk remains high, with many children particularly vulnerable to acute undernourishment during periods of conflict and food scarcity. The exact numbers vary by country and the latest IPC update, but the trend points to a significant humanitarian emergency.
Relief efforts focus on scaling humanitarian aid deliveries, protecting and expanding access to food assistance, and funding reserves to ensure programs can respond quickly. Policies urged by UNICEF, FAO, and WFP include increased donor support, market stabilization measures, and targeted nutrition programs for children and pregnant women to curb malnutrition and save lives.
Famine conditions arise when conflict disrupts farming, blocks aid corridors, and prevents timely delivery of food and supplies. Funding gaps and logistical constraints further limit relief work. In areas like Gaza and parts of Sudan, access restrictions, ongoing clashes, and governance challenges intensify the risk, making rapid, coordinated responses essential.
Watch for the next IPC update on country-by-country risk levels, new funding pledges from donors, and any notable shifts in conflict dynamics or climate shocks. Analysts expect continued pressure on food systems in the near term, with early indicators of whether relief programs can scale up in affected regions.
War in Sudan has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with fears protracted fighting could worsen it.