Khaberni - Two UN agencies concerned with food, warned on Wednesday that millions of people could face famine in 16 hotspots around the world, while a lack of funding exacerbates already dire situations.
The joint report issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme states that conflicts and violence are the main reasons for serious food insecurity in most of the countries at risk.
According to the agencies, there are 4 Arab hotspots among the 16 areas mentioned in the report.
The agencies listed Haiti, Mali, the Gaza Strip in Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen among the worst-hit countries, where "the population faces an imminent risk of catastrophic hunger."
Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria were considered "of great concern," along with Burkina Faso, Chad, and Kenya, in addition to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, said, "We are on the brink of a completely avoidable hunger catastrophe that threatens widespread famine in numerous countries," warning that inaction "will only lead to further instability, migration, and conflict."
The report noted that humanitarian relief funding is "seriously lacking," with only 10.5 billion dollars raised out of the required 29 billion dollars to assist those at risk.
The World Food Programme said that due to funding cuts, aid provided to refugees and displaced persons has been reduced, while school feeding programs have been suspended in some countries.
The Food and Agriculture Organization warned that efforts made to protect agricultural livelihoods are threatened, and "are necessary to stabilize food production and prevent a recurrence of crises."
They added that "funding for seeds and veterinary services is needed prior to the start of the farming seasons or the occurrence of new shocks."
