ReliefWeb

Population Affected

• 143,000 people are facing Famine in Nigeria and South Sudan

• 9.9 million people facing Emergency food security outcome levels (IPC 4) in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen

• Yemen and Somalia could face Famine (IPC 5), if no assistance is provided between May and August

Why are these countries affected by famine?

In all four countries, conflict is resulting in a high level of displacement and limited humanitarian access. Insecurity is preventing food production and driving prices up.

All four countries are experiencing economic problems: falling revenue, currency depreciation, and inflation. Somalia is particularly hard hit by drought. The situation is likely to deteriorate with the lean season.

Longstanding vulnerabilities, such as poverty and chronic malnutrition, are also contributing to the crisis. Households have exhausted their coping mechanisms.

Although the declaration of the possibility of famine has focused some attention on these countries, aid will still be stretched, and funding shortfalls remain significant.