Conflict is the major driver of global hunger; however, it is not the primary reason refugees leave their countries. Since 2020, many African countries have experienced record droughts with deficient rainfall, resulting in failed harvests and dead livestock, accompanied by lost income and life. If no assistance is provided immediately, these regions may tip into famine.

The reports (October 2022- January 2023) from the global agencies have estimated that up to 222 million people in 53 countries and territories will require urgent food assistance, including 19 countries and regional clusters in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, and the Middle East where conditions may deteriorate in the next three months.

Climate change is shortening growing seasons, and more days of extreme heat diminish agricultural workers′ hours and productivity. These factors further decline crop yields and income. Warmer weather and floods also increase pests that, in turn, again destroy crops. Furthermore, although increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere may boost crop yields by acting as a fertilizer, on the contrary, it can reduce the nutritional value of some grains. Warming sea waters affects fisheries that supply much of the world′s protein. Extreme weather can also hampers relief efforts. 

Along with climate, war and political conflict remain the most significant drivers of the acute hunger crisis. Russia- Ukraine war has directly affected the nation′s people. It has disrupted grain exports from Ukraine and Russia, which makes up about 30% of the world′s wheat exports and 20% of its maize. It has also increased global oil and fertilizer costs, resulting in inflation and making food unaffordable, and reducing crop yields in many lower-income countries.

World market conditions worsen the effects of both climate and conflict. The COVID-19 pandemic also increased food insecurity. Restrictions on movement caused many people, including agricultural workers, to lose their jobs in 2020 and 2021. This reduced harvests and earnings and, in turn, access to food.

A multiagency alert in November has made it clear that more money for emergency relief is the most immediate need. Experts are now emphasizing longer-term solutions addressing the root causes of acute hunger shocks. These solutions typically involve developing local infrastructure and resiliency. However, the issues underlying food insecurity and poverty can differ per the communities in which they occur. Therefore, individualized assessments are necessary to identify specific needs, and the development of solutions must observe collaboration with the affected people.

On a national level, diversifying food sources, either by growing more crops internally or developing relationships with more exporters, is crucial. Internationally, debt relief permits low-resource countries to buy food, fertilizers, and other supplies to manage urgent nutritional needs. Lastly, global agencies should take political action to end conflicts that drive disease and starvation.

Larkin H. Conflict and Climate Collide to Create an Acute Hunger Crisis for an Unprecedented 345 Million People. JAMA. Published online November 16, 2022. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.19235