Zambia risks famine, as World Bank projects 73 million in East, Southern Africa to face food insecurity

The World Bank’s latest Food Security Update reveals that an estimated 73 million people in East and Southern Africa are projected to face food insecurity by December 2024, with Zambia at risk of famine.

Key hotspots included Sudan (16 million), Ethiopia (12 million), South Sudan (eight million) and Somalia (3.5 million).

The report highlighted significant challenges in Sudan, where escalating conflicts between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have led to massive displacement, civilian casualties and further loss of livelihoods amid deteriorating economic conditions, particularly in North Darfur.

According to the Sudan Mobility Update, nearly 10 million people are now internally displaced, and refugee outflows reached approximately 2.1 million by the end of May.

The number of people facing Catastrophe conditions is expected to rise significantly towards the peak of the lean season (August/September) in areas heavily affected by displacement and conflict.

In Ethiopia, the update notes that food insecurity outcomes are ongoing and expected to persist through September in many areas of northern Ethiopia and parts of the pastoral south and southeast due to continued humanitarian food assistance.

However, emergency conditions are anticipated in households with limited access to humanitarian aid.

The World Bank underscores the urgent need for sustained and increased humanitarian assistance to mitigate the worsening food insecurity crisis in these regions.

The situation is compounded by multiple factors, including armed conflict, economic instability, and climate-related shocks, which collectively exacerbate the vulnerability of millions of people.

This alarming projection calls for immediate and coordinated action from international agencies, governments and local organizations to address the root causes of food insecurity and provide critical support to affected populations.

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