This section presents information-and decision-support tools to strengthen the ability of policymakers, food policy experts, and researchers to respond quickly to dynamic developments in the world food system.
Here you can find the latest information on current food crises through the Global Report on Food Crises, information from across Early Warning Systems, Vulnerability to Global Market Shocks V.2: Price Shocks to Major Staple Foods, and the Excessive Food Price Variability tool where you can track daily updates in food price volatility.
Global Report on Food Crises 2024 Mid-Year Update
Click here to access the Global Report on Food Crises page in the Food Security Portal.
Key messages
In Sudan, Famine (IPC Phase 5) continues in the Zamzam IDP site near El Fasher, North Darfur, and is expected to last through October 2024. Many other areas are at risk of Famine, but insufficient data hampers analysis for hard-to-reach regions. An estimated 25.6 million people in Sudan are facing acute food insecurity during the June–September lean season, marking a 26% increase from 2023. Conflict has severely impacted regional food and nutrition security, displacing over 2 million people, primarily to Chad and South Sudan.
The Gaza Strip is experiencing the most severe food crisis ever recorded in the Global Report on Food Crises, with all 2.2 million residents requiring urgent assistance. By early 2024, 50% of the population was in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), up from 25% in late 2023. While this is projected to decline to 22% by mid-2024, the risk of Famine persists.
Shocks such as conflict, El Niño-induced drought, and rising food prices have worsened food crises in 18 countries, including Nigeria, Myanmar, and Yemen. Meanwhile, better harvests and economic stabilization have improved food security in 16 countries, including Afghanistan and Kenya. However, forced displacement and acute malnutrition remain critical challenges, especially in conflict-affected areas.
To download the report:
FSIN and Global Network Against Food Crises. 2024. Global Report on Food Crises Mid-year update 2024
Excessive Food Price Variability Early Warning System
Excessive food price volatility (variability) affects farmers, traders, processors and consumers – and it threatens food security. In the aftermath of the 2007-2008 food price crisis and post-crisis commodity price volatility, the Food Security Portal developed the Excessive Food Price Variability Early Warning System, which identifies periods of excessive price variability (i.e. price variability that exceeds a pre-established threshold). The instrument serves as an early warning system for unusual periods of excessive price variability.
Early Warning Hub
Reliable, timely information on food production and availability, food prices, and hunger levels are key to helping decision makers anticipate and respond to food crises and their drivers. Early warning systems exist to collect, analyze, and disseminate such information.
The Early Warning Hub brings together in one place the alerts and other information from across several Early Warning Systems.