The United Nations on Monday reported that extreme hunger is intensifying in 13 global hot spots, with Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali at immediate risk of famine without humanitarian intervention.

The “Hunger Hotspots” report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) blamed conflict, economic shocks, and climate-related hazards for conditions in the worst-hit areas.

The report cited insecurity in northern Nigeria, which it said “is expected to deteriorate, with escalating violence driving further civilian casualties and widespread displacement” and economic hardship as key concerns in the country.

“In Nigeria, escalating violence in northern states is likely to drive widespread displacement, reduce access and hinder agricultural activity.

“Nigeria faces severe macroeconomic challenges, including high inflation, drastically increasing the cost of living and pushing millions into hunger.

“Acute food insecurity in the North-East and North-West regions of Nigeria is expected to deteriorate, with escalating violence driving further civilian casualties and widespread displacement,” the report said.

According to the report, South Sudan, hit by flooding and political instability, could see up to 7.7 million people in crisis, with 63,000 in famine-like conditions.

In Gaza, Israel’s continued military operations and blockade have left the entire population of 2.1 million people facing acute food insecurity, with nearly half a million at risk of famine by the end of September, the report added.

In Haiti, escalating gang violence has displaced thousands, with 8,400 already facing catastrophic hunger, while in Mali, conflict and high grain prices put 2,600 people at risk of starvation by the end of August.

Other countries of high concern include Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar.

The report predicts food crises in the next five months. It called for investment and help to ensure aid delivery, which it said was being undermined by insecurity and funding gaps.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said, “This report is a red alert. We know where hunger is rising, and we know who is at risk. Without funding and access, we cannot save lives.’’

For famine to be declared, at least 20 per cent of the population in an area must be suffering extreme food shortages, with 30 per cent of children acutely malnourished and two people out of every 10,000 dying daily from starvation or malnutrition and disease.

In Sudan, where famine was confirmed in 2024, the crisis is expected to persist due to conflict and displacement, with almost 25 million people at risk.

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said, “Protecting people’s farms and animals to ensure they can keep producing food where they are, even in the toughest and harshest conditions, is not just urgent, it is essential.’’

Some countries, such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Lebanon, have shown improvements and have been removed from the FAO and WFP’s Hunger Hotspots list.

(Reuters/NAN)