FAO says more than 45 million people in the Near East and North Africa face crisis-level hunger or worse

7 October 2026

The Food and Agriculture Organization called for urgent funding to help families in the Near East and North Africa keep producing food and earning an income, saying more than 45 million people in the region face crisis-level hunger or worse. In Sudan, 19.5 million people face high acute food insecurity, and only 23 per cent of the 193 million dollars needed under the 2026-2028 emergency response plan has been funded. In Yemen, FAO has secured less than 1 per cent of the 87.9 million dollars it needs for 2027. In Lebanon, more than one million people were displaced after the March 2026 escalation and over 22 per cent of agricultural land has been damaged. FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol said early investment in seeds, livestock, water and other farm support can protect livelihoods and reduce long-term humanitarian needs.