FAO in the news: global hunger, food pricing, and funding strains hit UN hunger relief hard. The agency leads intl food security efforts for the UN.
Global food prices increased in March, reaching their highest since September 2025, driven by energy costs and crop concerns linked to the US-Israeli conflict on Iran. The FAO warns prolonged conflict could reduce future yields and impact supply.
Since the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has escalated, global food prices have begun to rise, driven by disruptions to shipping, fertiliser, and fuel supplies. Experts warn that ongoing delays will force higher costs and threaten food security, especially in vulnerable regions, over the coming months.
A European study has quantified how inequality increases temperature-related deaths. If Europe’s regions reached the lowest level of material deprivation, heat and cold-related mortality could fall by up to 30%, a major policy argument for targeted relief and poverty reduction.
Updated assessments show 7.8 million South Sudan residents, 1.24 million in Lebanon, and rising numbers in DRC, Yemen, and Gaza facing high to extreme hunger. Conflict, climate shocks, displacement, and funding shortfalls are driving a widening global food-security crisis with famine feared in several areas.
Global fertiliser trade remains under pressure as the Strait of Hormuz disruption continues to affect urea, ammonia and sulphur shipments. With several regions facing rising costs and tighter supplies, farmers face higher input prices and potential yield impacts in the coming seasons.
The UN and aid groups warn that more than 21 million people in Sudan face acute hunger after 1,000 days of conflict, with funding shortfalls risking the suspension of food and nutrition programmes and possibly famine in parts of the country.
UNHCR has warned that 2026 funding will fall short, triggering staff cuts and contract terminations as donor funding tightens. WHO is reducing its workforce while relief operations face growing gaps amid dwindling voluntary contributions and more earmarked funds.
Negotiations between the United States and Iran have been reported to be moving toward a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, include a 60-day truce, some sanctions relief and renewed nuclear talks. The disruption of Hormuz has already reduced oil and fertiliser flows, pushed up energy and food prices and is threatening severe economic pain for vulnerable developing countries.
The UN World Food Programme has intensified emergency food and nutrition aid as hunger risks rise amid conflict, climate shocks, and funding shortfalls across multiple regions, including Sudan and South Sudan. Delivery faces security and transport hurdles with the rainy season approaching.
Fertiliser prices have surged globally amid the Iran conflict, prompting Senegalese farmers to shift from chemical fertilisers to organic compost and manure. Governments are weighing temporary measures to curb costs while experts warn on food security and climate benefits of sustainable alternatives.