Attachments
COUNTRIES REQUIRING EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE FOR FOOD
FAO estimates that 41 countries require external assistance for food: 31 in Africa, eight in Asia, one in Latin America and the Caribbean, and one in Europe. 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 fertilizer. Should these pressures persist, they could translate into higher production and transport costs across agrifood systems.
Regional Highlights
AFRICA 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 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 In South America, early prospects for maize production indicate likely above average outputs, supported by favourable weather forecasts and above average plantings across the subregion. By contrast, in Central America, preliminary indications point to reduced outputs, reflecting persistent dry weather conditions in Mexico. Additionally, the high likelihood of an El Niño event developing from June 2026 onwards, historically associated with high temperatures and dryness, poses a key downside risk to final production outcomes.