The U.N. World Food Programme warned that a powerful El Niño weather pattern could push nearly 49 million more people into acute hunger by the end of next year, raising fears of worsening food shortages in vulnerable regions.
An environmental engineer in Senegal is experimenting with adding fish to rice farms to tackle food insecurity, poverty, and schistosomiasis. Tilapia fertilize crops with their waste, while African bonytongue fish eat snails that carry the disease.
A New York Fed survey reveals higher food insecurity in the U.S. now than during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 10% of families skipping meals and 16% relying on donations, exacerbated by economic strain and rising food prices.
The eight-week-old war in Iran is causing far-reaching consequences across the Global South, with countries in Africa and Asia experiencing energy shortages, rising costs, and food insecurity. Egypt has imposed 9 p.m. curfews on businesses to conserve energy, while Kenya faces fuel and transport cost spikes. Thailand is urging work-from-home and stair use, and Somalia warns of worsening food crises as imports from Dubai are interrupted. The U.N. estimates 45 million people could face acute food insecurity if the conflict persists.
At World Bank/IMF meetings, global financial leaders warned that risks dominate as the Gulf conflict threatens food security. With the Strait of Hormuz closure disrupting energy trade, food shortages and famine are now likely for millions in vulnerable African and Asian countries after only seven weeks, writes the author.
