The triannual Crop Prospects and Food Situation report provides a forward-looking analysis of the food situation across the globe, focusing on the cereal production outlook, market situation and food security conditions, with a particular attention on low-income food-deficit countries. FAO assesses that globally 45 countries/territories, including 33 in Africa, nine in Asia, two in Latin America and the Caribbean and one in Europe, are in need of external assistance for food. The severest levels of acute food insecurity are found in territories affected by conflict, including Palestine (Gaza Strip) and the Sudan, where the local population is also facing the risk of famine. Drought conditions in Southern Africa are expected to worsen acute food insecurity conditions in 2024. The report includes the global cereal production forecast for 2024 that scaled up and is now set to exceed the 2023 level.