Nigeria Named Among Worst Hit In Global Food Crisis Report
A sharp concentration of global hunger is placing Nigeria at the centre of a worsening food crisis, with new data showing that a significant share of the world’s most food-insecure populations are clustered in a small group of countries affected by conflict and economic shocks.
The latest Global Report on Food Crises, compiled by United Nations agencies, the European Union and humanitarian partners, states that nearly two-thirds of people facing acute food insecurity in 2025 were located in just 10 countries. Nigeria, alongside Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, accounted for roughly one-third of that total.
The report identifies Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen as the countries most affected. It notes that while there were modest improvements in Bangladesh and Syria, these gains were largely offset by deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan, the DRC, Myanmar and Zimbabwe.
Conflict remains the dominant driver of food crises globally, according to the report, with climate shocks and economic disruptions compounding the situation. It warns that these pressures are likely to persist into 2026, describing the outlook as “bleak”.
Data from the report show that about 266 million people across 47 countries experienced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2025. This figure represents a significant increase compared to 2016 levels, reflecting a near doubling over the period.
For the first time since its inception, the report confirmed famine conditions occurring in two separate locations within the same year, specifically in Gaza and parts of Sudan. This development underscores the severity and geographic spread of extreme hunger.
The report also raises concerns about declining international aid flows, which could further strain humanitarian responses. It highlights the broader geopolitical context, including tensions in the Middle East, as a factor that may worsen food insecurity through increased displacement and rising input costs for agriculture.
Disruptions to global energy markets have already had ripple effects. The blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, has contributed to rising fertiliser prices due to their dependence on oil-based inputs. This development comes at a critical time for farmers.
Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), told AFP that the combined impact of rising energy and fertiliser costs during the planting season could significantly affect agricultural output. He noted that “this current food shock… is going to have a massive impact in terms of production”.
Lario emphasised the need for targeted investment in smallholder farmers, including support for water-efficient and climate-resilient crops. He also pointed to the potential of local fertiliser production and improved soil management to reduce dependency on costly imports.
In addition, IFAD is promoting increased participation by local private sector actors, arguing that stronger domestic investment frameworks could improve long-term sustainability and resilience in food systems.
The findings reinforce concerns that without coordinated global and national responses, countries like Nigeria may continue to face deepening food insecurity driven by overlapping crises.