Famine looms as 13 countries face worsening food crises by 2026

Several regions are edging closer to famine due to conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes and a lack of humanitarian funding. Millions of people across 13 countries are expected to face worsening food insecurity between June and November 2026. Around 266 million individuals are already experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity in these hotspots. South Sudan is one of the hardest-hit areas. Between April and July, 7.8 million people there are forecast to face crisis-level hunger or worse, with 73,000 at risk of famine. Sudan is also in critical condition, with famine projected in 14 areas and nearly 200,000 people expected to suffer catastrophic hunger between June and September.

Yemen remains among the world’s most severe food crises. Over 18 million people in the country are likely to face crisis-level or worse food insecurity in 2026. North-east Nigeria and Somalia have also been added to the list of highest concern, with catastrophic food insecurity projected in some regions.

Funding for food assistance and emergency support has dropped sharply. Between 2022 and 2025, it fell by an estimated 59 per cent, worsening the situation in Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, and Palestine—the areas of greatest concern. The combination of conflict, climate extremes, and dwindling aid funding is deepening food insecurity. Without increased support, famine conditions could spread across multiple regions. Millions of people are already suffering, and the outlook for 2026 remains dire.