FAO assesses that globally 45 countries, including 34 in Africa and 9 in Asia, are in need of external assistance for food. Conflicts and climate-related shocks are critical factors underpinning the high levels of severe food insecurity. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated vulnerabilities and resulted in increased humanitarian needs.

The Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS) continuously monitors crop prospects and food security situation at global, regional, national and sub-national levels and warns of impending food difficulties and emergencies. Established in the wake of the world food crisis of the early 1970’s, GIEWS maintains a unique database on all aspects of food supply and demand for every country of the world. The System regularly...

Rainfall deficits since the start of the cropping season in northern Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces have negatively affected crops, curbing cereal production prospects in 2021. The ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado Province and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened households’ vulnerability and are expected to aggravate conditions in 2021. The 2021 cyclone season is still active and more cyclones could further undermine food availability and access in...

International prices of maize surged in January amid shrinking global export supplies and large purchases by China (mainland). Prices of wheat and barley also increased significantly, supported by strong import demand. Export prices of rice increased for a second successive month reflecting robust demand from Asian and African buyers, combined with tight supplies in Thailand and Viet Nam, two major exporting countries. In East Africa, prices of coarse grains generally...

Significant rainfall deficits in the southern regions have caused a decline in the area planted to staple foods and led to poor vegetation conditions in cropped areas, curbing production expectations in 2021. The foreseen production decline would follow several consecutive years of below-average harvests and would likely trigger an increase in the prevalence and severity of food insecurity, with several districts already nearing critical levels of severe acute malnutrition. The adverse...