Almost half of Africa’s countries need food aid – FAO

Of the 45 countries across the globe that require food aid, 33 of these were in Africa, according to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This was largely due to conflict, drought, economic downturns and natural disasters.

“The crop prospects and food situation quarterly report, published earlier this month, said persisting drought in East Africa raised serious concerns about levels of acute food insecurity in the continent, with famine projected to occur among agro-pastoral households in Somalia,” China Daily reported.

“The country is on the brink of famine due to the unprecedented drought triggered by five consecutive poor rainy seasons and an anticipated sixth.

“The situation has been exacerbated by high food and water prices, conflict and poor access to water, sanitation and health services.”

According to the FAO,

6,5 million people in Somalia were estimated to face severe acute food insecurity between April and June.

Rein Paulsen, director of the FAO’s Office of Emergencies and Resilience, said while the UN agency’s livelihood assistance was saving lives and paving the way for faster recovery for many, the protracted crisis now in its third year has exhausted the coping strategies of the most vulnerable.

“This has left families experiencing destitution, displacement, childhood malnutrition and even loss of life.”

Among the critical cases, 1,5 million people in Chad were facing acute food insecurity due to persisting conflict in the Lac and Tibesti regions.

Aside from this, Chad was also home to almost half a million refugees from Cameroon, Nigeria, Sudan and the Central African Republic. –

WIKIMEDIA COMMON More than half of the countries in Africa are facing worsening food security as droughts and conflicts persist.