The IGAD Regional Focus of the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises paints a troubling picture of deepening food insecurity across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region, which includes Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. According to the report, an alarming 62.9 million people—roughly a quarter of the population in these countries—are currently experiencing severe levels of acute food insecurity. This marks an increase from 61.9 million in 2023, highlighting the escalating nature of the crisis.
The IGAD region has been caught in a relentless cycle of crises, with 2024 marking the fifth consecutive year of deteriorating food security. The report identifies several factors contributing to this dire situation. First and foremost are the extreme climate conditions that have plagued the region. The Eastern Horn of Africa has been particularly hard-hit by a severe drought that lasted from 2020 to 2023, followed by widespread flooding linked to El Niño. As if this weren’t enough, persistent dry conditions in 2023 and the early part of 2024 have further undermined agricultural production, leaving millions of people vulnerable to hunger.
In addition to the climate crisis, economic challenges have further exacerbated the situation. The IGAD countries have faced significant economic shocks, including currency depreciation, soaring inflation, and instability in global food markets. These factors have driven up food prices, making it increasingly difficult for families to access basic necessities. The impact of these economic challenges is felt most acutely by those who are already living on the edge of poverty, pushing them deeper into food insecurity.
Conflict and displacement are also major drivers of the food crisis in the region. The situation in Sudan is particularly dire, with the country experiencing the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. Since April 2023, 7.9 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing conflict, with famine already declared in the Zamzam camp in North Darfur and 13 other areas at risk. The displacement crisis has put immense pressure on humanitarian resources, both within Sudan and in neighboring countries already grappling with high levels of food insecurity and instability.
The worsening food crisis in the IGAD region calls for immediate and coordinated action from both member states and international partners. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s Executive Secretary, emphasized the need to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, economic shocks, and conflict. He pointed out that these factors are creating a vicious cycle of food insecurity that threatens to destabilize communities across the region. To break this cycle, Dr. Gebeyehu called for strengthened collective efforts to build resilience, address the root causes of conflict, and pave the way for long-term stability and development.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has also raised concerns about the strain on humanitarian resources caused by the conflict in Sudan. Rukia Yacoub, WFP’s Deputy Regional Director for Eastern Africa, highlighted that more than half of Sudan’s population is struggling to find enough food each day. She noted that the ongoing violence and insecurity have forced millions of people to seek refuge within Sudan and in neighboring countries, further straining already limited humanitarian resources.
In light of these challenges, the report underscores the need for a shift in strategy from reactive emergency responses to a more proactive, anticipatory approach. Farayi Zimudzi, FAO’s Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, emphasized the importance of early warning systems and conflict-sensitive programs that can help mitigate the impacts of shocks and protect livelihoods. Zimudzi also stressed the urgent need for peace-building initiatives to address the catastrophic impacts of regional conflicts on food security and malnutrition.
The deepening food insecurity crisis in the IGAD region demands urgent and sustained action. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is crucial for governments, regional bodies, and international partners to work together to address the root causes of this crisis. Building resilience, supporting agricultural production, and promoting peace and stability will be key to reversing the current trends and ensuring a more secure future for millions across the region.
