45 Million People to Go Hungry in 2026 – UN
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark projection: up to 45 million more people could face acute hunger in 2026 if the current conflict in the Middle East continues to deepen. This surge would drive the global population experiencing acute food insecurity from 318 million toward the record highs of 349 million seen during the 2022 global cost-of-living crisis.
Unlike the 2022 crisis, which was triggered by disruptions in a major grain-producing region (Ukraine), the current threat stems from the Middle East’s role as a global energy hub. With oil prices hovering above $100 per barrel, the rising costs of fuel and fertilizer are cascading through global food markets, making basic staples unaffordable for the world’s most vulnerable households.
Regions at Highest Risk
The WFP highlights that import-dependent regions will bear the brunt of these economic shockwaves. Projections for increased food insecurity include:
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Asia: 24% increase
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West and Central Africa: 21% increase
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East and Southern Africa: 17% increase
Specific Country Impact
The report identifies several “hunger hotspots” where the crisis is already manifesting:
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Sudan: Highly vulnerable due to importing 80% of its wheat, making it hypersensitive to international price shocks.
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Somalia: Already struggling with drought, the country has seen essential commodity prices jump by 20% recently.
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Sub-Saharan Africa: General reliance on imported fertilizers means higher farming costs, which will likely lead to lower domestic crop yields in the coming season.
“If this conflict continues, it will send shockwaves across the globe, and families who already cannot afford their next meal will be hit the hardest,” warned Carl Skau, WFP Deputy Executive Director.
The UN emphasizes that this looming catastrophe is being compounded by a severe funding shortfall for humanitarian operations. As aid programs are scaled back due to a lack of resources, millions of people “on the edge” are losing their primary safety net just as global prices peak.