Madagascar, four other African countries most affected by hunger

VANGUARD

Hunger and food insecurity are serious problems in many African countries. These challenges are caused by conflict, climate change, economic instability, and weak farming systems.

The March 2024 Cadre Harmonisé food security report by the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) showed that nearly 55 million people in West and Central Africa were expected to face severe food shortages during the June to August 2024 lean season.

This is four million more than the November 2023 forecast and four times higher than five years ago. Data from the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) by Statista also shows that several African countries continue to face severe hunger and malnutrition. The following countries are the most affected:

5. Niger

Hunger Index Score: 34.1

Niger is severely affected by hunger because of its fast-growing population, political instability, and climate problems.

The rapid population growth in Niger increases the demand for food, but resources are limited. Erratic rainfall and desertification have reduced food production. Armed insurgencies along its borders have displaced communities and disrupted farming activities. Over 4.3 million people in Niger were at risk of hunger in 2024.

4. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Hunger Index Score: 34.9 (Alarming)

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing one of the world’s largest hunger crises. Conflict, poverty, and weak farming systems are the main causes.

Violence in the eastern regions of the DRC has displaced millions of people, disrupting farming and food distribution. Economic instability, including high inflation and unemployment, makes food unaffordable for many. The DRC has fertile land, but farming remains underdeveloped due to a lack of investment. About 26.4 million people in the DRC face hunger.

3. Madagascar

Hunger Index Score: 36.3

Madagascar faces severe food insecurity caused by climate change. Droughts and cyclones have damaged farms, especially in the southern regions.

The southern part of Madagascar is facing its worst drought in decades, known as a “climate famine.” Poverty makes it hard for people to recover from crop losses or buy food. Chronic malnutrition affects almost half of the children in Madagascar, stunting their growth and development. Over 1.5 million people were hungry in Madagascar in 2024.

2. Chad:

Hunger Index Score: 36.4

Chad is the second most affected country. Its weak farming system, political instability, and harsh climate make food access very difficult.

Unpredictable rainfall and desertification have reduced crop production in Chad. Conflicts in neighbouring countries have forced many refugees into Chad, which puts extra pressure on the country’s resources. Poor infrastructure, such as bad roads, makes it hard to deliver food and aid to those in need. About 4.7 million people in Chad face hunger.

1. Somalia

Hunger Index Score: 44.1

Somalia is the most affected country in Africa. It suffers from long-term conflict, harsh weather such as droughts and floods, and weak government support.

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