Concern warns of catastrophic hunger for millions in 2021

An image from South Sudan, one of the countries where famine is predicted in the coming months by the Global Network Against Food Crises report. Photo: Abbie Taylor-Smith/ Concern Worldwide

A major report published today, which warns that 142 million people will face severe food shortages this year and forecasts famines in at least two countries, is a final wake up call to the world, Concern Worldwide CEO Dominic MacSorley has warned.

The report predicts food crises in 40 countries for which data is available, and forecasts famine conditions for 155,000 people in South Sudan and Yemen in the coming months.

The report is produced by the Global Network Against Food Crises, an alliance of humanitarian and development organisations, including the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian aid Operations department (ECHO).

“We need to act now,” Mr MacSorley warned. “This report shows an extraordinary amount of people -- 142 million -- are in need of immediate assistance this year. Last year saw the highest number of people in crisis levels of hunger since the report was first published five years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic drove a leap of almost 20 million people in a year.”

COVID impact

“Last year was extremely challenging. It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely worsened food insecurity for millions of people already suffering from the disastrous effects of conflict and climate change.”

The report shows that while conflict will remain the major driver of food crises in 2021, the economic fallout from the pandemic is increasingly exacerbating food insecurity in fragile economies. In three countries -- South Sudan, Syria and the Central African Republic -- more than half the population are caught up in crisis levels of food insecurity.

“What we are most worried about right now is the 155,000 people in South Sudan and Yemen who are thought to be living in famine conditions already. It can be extremely difficult to verify the existence of a famine but it is crucial to remember that by the time famine is declared, it is already too late.”

The full report can be read at: http://www.fightfoodcrises.net/

For media queries contact Eamon Timmins, Media Relations Manager, Concern Worldwide, at eamon.timmins@concern.net or 087 9880524

Notes to the Editor

Founded by the European Union, FAO and WFP at the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit, the Global Network Against Food Crises is an alliance of humanitarian and development actors working together to prevent, prepare for, and respond to food crises and support the Sustainable Development Goal to End Hunger (SDG 2).