World hunger on the rise: 19 countries face protracted crisis

World
Europe

The number of people suffering from hunger has increased since 2015, said Jose Graziano da Silva, the director-general of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), during the group's annual conference. A total of 19 countries were identified in a protracted crisis situation.

Graziano said around 60% of the hunger population is suffering from the combined effects of conflicts and climate change like droughts and floods.

A woman holds out a bowl of partially boiled maize in Ngop, South Sudan's Unity State on March 10, 2017. /VCG Photo

According to the FAO's report, almost 20 million people in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen are in danger of hunger. Although South Sudan is no longer classified as being in famine, the situation there still dire. Extreme conditions force many to migrate.

Graziano believed peace was the key to end the crisis but said waiting for peace is useless. He called for activating commitment to eradicate hunger, especially at local and state levels.

The FAO Conference is being held from July 3 to 8, and around 1000 participants from governments, international organization, as well as private sector and civil organizations are in attendance.