Conflict and climate change are the leading causes of rising levels of acute food insecurity worldwide, according to a new report published this week.
The Global Report on Food Crises reveals that around 124 million people across 51 countries were suffering from acute hunger in 2017, a situation defined as posing an ‘immediate threat to lives or livelihoods’ – up 11 million on the year before.
Compiled by a number of humanitarian bodies, the report was presented at a United Nations meeting in Rome Thursday by representatives of the European Union, the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
“Hunger and food insecurity plague the lives of millions worldwide. In the face of man-made and natural disasters, we should shape a more robust and strategic global response to food crises. The Global Report is a pivotal tool in putting the humanitarian and development nexus in practice and support us in our joint fight against hunger,” said EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.
Technologies like blockchain and drones are increasingly being used to support humanitarian efforts.
“This Global Report on Food Crises shows the magnitude of today’s crises but also shows us that if we bring together political will and today’s technology, we can have a world that’s more peaceful, more stable and where hunger becomes a thing of the past,” added David Beasley, WFP Executive Director.
You can help now by downloading the ShareTheMeal app, supported by WFP, which allows people to share a meal for just $0.50. It can process 30 currencies and is available in 10 languages.
And join our Impact Comms Lead, Carlotta De Toni, on Instagram, where she is discussing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – which include SDG 2 – to zero hunger.
