– Naadiya Adams

Over 40 million people are going hungry in 43 countries around the world and the risk of famine is imminent. The World Food Programme warned that at least 600 000 people in four countries are already in dire need of food.

The United Nations agency said in a statement on Tuesday that wars, climate change and economic shocks have been the driving force in hunger-stricken countries while soaring prices for basic items deepen the problem.

“I am heartbroken at what we’re facing in 2021,” said WFP’s Executive Director David Beasley. “We now have four countries where famine-like conditions are present. Meanwhile, 41 million people are literally knocking on famine’s door.”

“I am heartbroken at what we’re facing in 2021” – @WFPChief on new data that shows 4️⃣1️⃣ million people knocking on famine’s door. ????

“It’s just tragic – these are real people with real names.” Read the full release ➡️ https://t.co/cXY2S23bLV. #FightFamine pic.twitter.com/uBubc6uShw

— World Food Program USA (@WFPUSA) June 22, 2021

Madagascar, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Yemen are countries already facing famine-like conditions as well as in parts of Nigeria and Burkina Faso, with 584 000 affected.

The WFP is funded by voluntary donations, it needs to raise $6bn (R85 Billion) to reach those at risk across the 43 countries before its too late.

“We need funding and we need it now,” said Beasley.

World hunger has been on the decline for several years but saw a rise in 2016 due to conflict and climate change.

According to the WFP, in 2019 27 million people were close to famine but since 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic the situation has only worsened.

May saw the highest levels in food prices in a decade, not just here in South Africa, but across the globe. Maize prices are soaring year on year and are up almost 90 percent. UN figures show a combined 40 percent increase in basics like cereals, dairy products, meat, bread and sugar in the past year alone

The world hunger crisis as it stands is around 9 percent which is about 690 million people who go without food on a daily basis and the trenches are only deepening.