ISLAMABAD: In a recent report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), high food prices, economic downturns, conflicts, droughts, and the looming threat of El Niño weather patterns are exacerbating food security concerns globally. The report identifies a total of 45 countries, including Pakistan and nine other Asian nations, as requiring external assistance to address their food security challenges.
According to FAO’s quarterly publication, Crop Prospects and Food Situation, high domestic food prices have become a significant driver of alarming levels of hunger in the majority of the 45 countries assessed. Out of these countries, 33 are located in Africa, while nine are in Asia. Additionally, Haiti, Ukraine, and Venezuela are also among the countries in need of external support to address their food security situations.
Factors Responsible for Food Security Concerns
The rise in food prices poses a severe threat to food security, making it increasingly difficult for vulnerable populations to access sufficient and nutritious food. Factors such as economic downturns, conflicts, and natural disasters like droughts further compound the challenges faced by these countries.
The report highlights the impending risk of El Niño weather patterns, which can lead to adverse climate conditions affecting agricultural production and exacerbating food insecurity in various regions.
In the case of Pakistan, the report emphasizes the urgent need for external assistance to mitigate food security risks. The combination of high food prices, economic challenges, and other underlying factors has put significant pressure on the country’s ability to ensure adequate food supply and access for its population.
The FAO report serves as a call to action for governments, humanitarian organizations, and international stakeholders to provide necessary support and resources to address the food security challenges faced by these nations. Timely intervention and sustained efforts are essential to alleviate hunger, promote agricultural resilience, and enhance food systems in these vulnerable regions.
