USAID Warns of Unprecedented Threat of Famine in Four Countries in 2017

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Famine Early Warning System (FEWSNET) is predicting an unprecedented global famine in 2017. Based on field visits, surveillance, and data, FEWSNET notes, “Given persistent conflict, severe drought, and economic instability, FEWSNET estimates that 70 million people, across 45 countries, will require emergency food assistance this year.”  Specifically, FEWSNET has issued a high level alert for four countries – Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen.

The combination of severe civil conflict, persistent lack of access to food, extreme weather, and a decline in foreign reserves has created a perfect storm of unfavorable conditions that will likely lead to devastating famine in these four nations.  Many of the countries expected to experience extreme famine in the next year have already suffered through years of persistent lack of access to adequate food and income and have very little ability to remain resilient in the face of increased food insecurity.

In addition to the four countries noted, FEWSNET anticipates that parts of Malawi, Zimbabwe, Sudan, and Madagascar will face acute malnutrition if assistance is not provided.  Food assistance provided by U.S. agricultural organizations like USDBC, through the U.S. government will be more essential than ever this year.

ESTIMATED PEAK SIZE OF THE POPULATION IN NEED OF EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE DURING FY2017. Sources: FEWS NET, OCHA, Southern Africa RVAC