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“The scale of the hunger crisis across the region is deeply alarming, with more people affected than the entire population of many countries elsewhere,” said Eric Perdison, the World Food Programme’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, during the launch of the IGAD Regional Focus of the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises.

The report, released in September 2025, highlights widespread food insecurity and malnutrition, noting that 42 million people face high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) this year across six IGAD member states (Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, the Sudan, and Uganda).

The crisis is exacerbated by conflict, economic challenges, and climate extremes. For instance, Sudan currently has the largest highly food-insecure population in the region, at 24.6 million, with Famine or a heightened risk of Famine in multiple areas.

Moreover, Sudan is currently the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with about 10 million people uprooted by the two-year conflict.

Underscoring the interconnected nature of the crisis, IGAD’s Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, stated that the food crisis is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the region.

“As IGAD, we strive to bring countries together, strengthen cooperation, and promote resilience, peace, and security. No single institution can tackle these crises on its own. Through collective action, working across governments, regional institutions, and partners, we can address the root causes of vulnerability and create lasting solutions for our people,” he said.

Farayi Zimudzi, FAO’s ad interim Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, noted that the IGAD region continues to face severe food insecurity, and the situation is worsening.

According to the latest forecast by IGAD’s Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), the situation is expected to deteriorate further, with forecasts pointing to drier-than-usual conditions in parts of the region, including southern Ethiopia, eastern Kenya, and much of Somalia.

Some of these areas, particularly central and northern Somalia, have already experienced at least one below-average rainy season, and drought conditions already persist. Another below-average season risks driving further deteriorations in food insecurity and malnutrition.

“With another poor rainy season expected in some parts of the region, we must act now to protect rural livelihoods with anticipatory actions. However, anticipatory action alone won’t break the cycle. They must be paired with long-term resilience building and investment in sustainable agriculture to ensure no one is left behind,” said Farayi Zimudzi.

Calling for action, enhanced coordination, and preparation, Eric Perdison said that while working together to save lives is an immediate priority, the international community must also invest in resilience, enabling communities to stand on their own and avoid long-term dependence on humanitarian aid.

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