Over 40mln people threatened by acute hunger in Eastern Africa
KAMPALA, September 19, 2025 – At least 42 million people face high levels of acute food insecurity this year across six IGAD member states [Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, the Sudan and Uganda], according to the IGAD Regional Focus of the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises released today
Among the five countries with comparable data include Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, where the number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity has tripled over recent years – from 13.9 million in 2016 to 41.7 million in 2025, with Sudan and South Sudan having the most severe food crises in the region.
Apparently, Sudan has the largest highly food-insecure population in the region, at 24.6 million people threatened with Famine and risk of Famine in multiple areas, while South Sudan continues to have the largest share of people, at least 57 percent in hunger crisis situation Phase 3 in two of its counties at risk of famine.
With causes ranging from conflict to economic challenges and climate extremes, the drivers of acute food insecurity in the IGAD region are interlinked increasing vulnerabilities, undermining resilience and reversing development gains.
The situation is expected to deteriorate further, as the latest forecast by IGAD’s Climate Prediction and Applications Centre [ICPAC] points to drier-than-usual conditions in parts of the region, including southern Ethiopia, eastern Kenya and much of Somalia.
The Executive Secretary for IGAD Workneh Gebeyehu, calls for collective action, working across governments, regional institutions, and partners, to address the root causes of vulnerability and create lasting solutions for all people.
“The food crisis in our region is more than just hunger; it’s a stark reminder of the interconnected challenges we face, conflict, the severe effects of climate change, economic shocks, and displacement. As IGAD, we strive to bring countries together, strengthen cooperation, and promote resilience, peace, and security. No single institution can tackle these crises on its own,” he said while launching the report in Nairobi, Kenya.
Much of the region in the Eastern Africa, including the horn of Africa Countries, particularly central and northern Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, parts of Ethiopia, Sudan and northern Kenya have already experienced at least one below-average rainy season, and drought conditions have already manifested persistence.
Acute malnutrition remains at alarming levels across the region, with at least 11.4 million children aged 6–59 months acutely malnourished in seven member states, among them at least 3.1 million urgently need lifesaving treatment for severe acute malnutrition.
Furthermore, the IGAD region continues to have more forcibly displaced people in the world. As of the end of June, 23.2 million people were living in forced displacement, including 17.8 million internally displaced [IDPs] and 5.4 million refugees and asylum seekers.
Sudan remains the world’s largest internal displacement crisis with about 10 million IDPs.
Displaced populations face some of the worst food security and nutritional outcomes due to a loss of livelihoods and social support networks, and a heavy reliance on humanitarian assistance at a time of reduced funding.
Word Food Programme Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Eric Perdison, said, the scale of the hunger crisis across the region is deeply alarming, with more people affected than the entire population of many countries elsewhere.
“In Sudan, famine is already unfolding, and the situation could worsen, while working together to save lives is an immediate priority, we must also build resilience and support communities in standing on their own feet and not being forced to depend on humanitarian assistance for survival.”
The report shows that the IGAD region continues to face severe food insecurity, and the situation is worsening lives of the rural agricultural communities given the several poor rainy seasons in some parts of the region.
Besides the anticipatory action plans, this calls for long-term resilience building and investment in sustainable agriculture to ensure that all communities are covered.
Compiled by the different partners through a consensus-based process the report is facilitated by the Food Security Information Network [FSIN] and the Global Network Against Food Crises [GNAFC].
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