It has been more than 10 years since the world faced such a risk of widespread famine. In four countries, 584 000 people are living in famine conditions. Elsewhere, an additional 45 million are at a tipping point. Intensifying and spreading conflicts, climate extremes and the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed more and more people to the brink.

Despite this, the agriculture component of the 2021 humanitarian appeals was massively underfunded. Major seasons have passed and with those, a vital opportunity to secure a steady livelihood. Growing numbers of people are forced to rely on food assistance for seemingly endless periods.

It is time to take agriculture seriously. Agriculture is among the most cost‑effective humanitarian frontline interventions. Emergency livelihoods assistance responds to immediate hunger needs – ensuring nutritious food is produced right where it is needed most – and provides a path out of protracted and deepening food crises. While food assistance provided after the worst-case scenario materializes is critical, if we don’t start giving equal priority to investments aimed at rebooting local agricultural production to save lives and making agriculture in vulnerable countries more resilient, 2022 will look just like 2021 – or worse.