Rome: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a US$1.9 billion appeal for 2025, aiming to save lives and empower nearly 49 million of the world’s most food-insecure people to produce their own food and break free from acute hunger. This bold call to action will deliver emergency agricultural aid and coincides with a United Nations humanitarian appeal unveiled today.
A Worsening Hunger Crisis
Violence surged in 2024, intensifying hunger crises in regions like Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti. By mid-2024, the number of people facing catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5) skyrocketed to 1.9 million across Gaza, Haiti, Mali, South Sudan, and Sudan—more than doubling from the previous year. Famine conditions emerged in Sudan’s Zamzam Camp, with other areas teetering on the brink.
Simultaneously, climate extremes driven by El Niño, La Niña, and the overarching climate crisis pushed millions closer to starvation. Droughts ravaged Southern Africa, the Pacific, and Central America’s Dry Corridor, while severe flooding devastated communities in West Africa. Women, men, and children already living on the edge bore the brunt of these crises.
The outlook remains grim for 2025. Key drivers of acute hunger—conflict, climate shocks, and economic downturns—show no signs of abating.
Agriculture as a Lifeline
“Emergency agricultural aid is not just life-saving; it’s a pathway out of hunger,” emphasized Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General. “It enables vulnerable communities to produce food locally, even amidst violence and climate shocks. Yet, funding gaps persist, with agriculture often sidelined in humanitarian aid allocations.”
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In crisis settings, over two-thirds of people depend on agriculture for survival. However, only a small fraction of aid targets protecting these livelihoods, a missed opportunity to prevent hunger and promote resilience.
Lessons from 2024
Afghanistan offers a rare success story. Consistent funding from 2021 to 2023 allowed humanitarian agencies to combine cash, food, and emergency agricultural aid, cutting acute food insecurity from 47% in 2022 to 28% by late 2024. This example proves the transformative potential of scaling up resources in crisis zones.
However, even Afghanistan’s gains remain precarious. Funding cuts or predicted climate shocks in 2025 could unravel progress, leaving millions vulnerable. Globally, food sector allocations have already declined by 30% since their 2022 peak, leaving FAO warning that inadequate funding will result in lost lives and reversed development gains.
Impact of Emergency Interventions
In 2024, FAO sought US$1.8 billion to help 43 million people but received only 22% of the required funds. Despite this shortfall, FAO delivered critical support to 20 million people by mid-year. Interventions like crop production support generated returns of US$4 for every US$1 invested.
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For instance, in Sudan, FAO and its partners distributed over 5,000 tonnes of sorghum seeds and 8,000 kilograms of okra seeds to nearly 3 million people across 11 states. Favourable rains are expected to yield between 0.9 and 1.4 million tonnes of sorghum grain, ensuring sustenance for millions.
Anticipatory Action Saves Lives
FAO’s proactive efforts helped 1.7 million people across 24 countries avert the worst impacts of El Niño. In Somalia, flood prevention measures such as embankments and timely warnings allowed 90% of Beledweyne’s population to evacuate safely, reducing fatalities.
Anticipatory action, FAO insists, is a cost-effective strategy with far-reaching benefits. By delivering support before disasters strike, these interventions curb food insecurity, reduce humanitarian needs, and relieve pressure on overburdened aid systems.
Call to Action
Without immediate and sustained funding, the progress made in saving lives and livelihoods will unravel. FAO’s appeal underscores the urgent need to prioritize agriculture in humanitarian responses to prevent hunger, protect communities, and build a resilient future.
