FAO Publishes Its First Triannual Global Report Of 2026, Indicating Severe Food Shortages.

New York; March 2026: Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have estimated that 41 countries (31 in Africa; 08 in Asia; 01 in Latin America; 01 in Caribbean) require external assistance for food. Conflict and insecurity remain the primary drivers of severe acute food insecurity, with weather-related shocks further exacerbating conditions in several regions.

While it is still too early to fully assess the potential impacts, the recent escalation of tensions in the Near East subregion may increase risks to global agrifood supply chains, with possible implications for the costs of key agricultural inputs, particularly energy-related inputs such as fuel and nitrogen fertiliser. Should these pressures persist, they could translate into higher production and transport costs across agrifood systems.

Regional Highlights –

AFRICA –

31 countries of the African Continent are found to be in a dire strait encompassing: adverse climatic conditions; geo-political hindrances; conflicts & wars (genocide is at tandem). These countries are:

Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic Of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Eswatini, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda, United Republic Of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwye.

The production outlook for the 2026 crops in North Africa is mixed, reflecting irregular rainfall patterns and episodes of high temperatures in some areas. In Southern Africa, aggregate cereal production is forecast to remain above average even though extreme weather events and uneven rainfall distribution are likely to constrain yields in several areas. In East and West Africa, land preparation for the 2026 cropping season is underway. Although favourable weather forecasts support positive production prospects, ongoing conflicts in several countries continue to disrupt agricultural activities.

ASIA –

The 08 Asian Countries which have found mention in the report includes: Lebanon; Palestine; Syrian Arab Republic; Yemen; Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Myanmar; Pakistan.

Harvesting of the 2026 wheat crop is anticipated to begin in April. Production prospects in Far East Asia are generally favourable, reflecting large plantings and mostly conducive weather conditions. Crop conditions are mixed across Near East Asia, where rainfall patterns have been erratic. Sustained rain throughout the remainder of the season will be critical for achieving favourable output levels.

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN –

Haiti; Widespread insecurity in rural and urban areas, high production costs and limited availability of agricultural inputs, continue to hamper agricultural activities and severely strain access to food.

According to the latest IPC Projection Update, about 5.9 million people which is 53% of the analysed population are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity between March and June 2026. This includes about 2 million people classified in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) conditions. The migration

crisis intensified food insecurity levels, with 1.4 million internally displaced people and 270 000 forced returnees facing severe access to food and livelihood opportunities.

NORTH AMERICA; EUROPE AND OCEANIA –

Ukraine; According to2026 Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (NHRP) UNHCR, for Ukraine, developed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) about 12.7 million people are estimated to be in need of multisectoral humanitarian assistance in 2025, as a result of the conflict. As of June 2025, about 3.7 million people were estimated to be displaced in

the country.

Team Maverick.