Areas of Highest Concern
The ongoing 2.5-year drought is the most extensive and persistent drought event in decades, leading to crop failure, millions of livestock deaths, water scarcity, and soaring staple food prices. A sixth below-average rainy season is forecast in early 2023, which will likely prolong this humanitarian emergency until the next rains in late 2023.
Severe hunger and disease outbreaks – such as cholera and measles – are resulting in high levels of acute malnutrition and mortality in drought-affected areas of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. In Somalia, despite high levels of humanitarian assistance, outcomes remain very near the Famine (IPC Phase 5) thresholds.
The peace agreement, which was formalized in early November 2022, has allowed for increased humanitarian assistance and the re-establishment of basic services; however, recovery of severely eroded livelihoods in Tigray, Afar, and Amhara will not occur quickly.
As humanitarian access has improved, assistance delivery is being scaled up with nearly 865,000 people reached in Tigray between October 30 and November 23, according to OHCA.
Extensive flooding for the fourth consecutive year, coupled with ongoing conflict amidst deteriorating economic conditions, is driving persistently high levels of acute food insecurity in the country. Of particular concern are populations in areas with concurrent insecurity and floods, notably Jonglei and central Unity.
Atypically high flood extent is likely to persist well into the 2023 dry season given rising water levels upstream in Uganda and slow recession in the flood plains to date. Armed conflict along the Upper Nile – Northern Jonglei border area continues to trigger household displacements.
Other Areas of Concern
Protracted conflict has severely disrupted livelihoods and reduced income-earning opportunities. Prices are significantly above average and food access is inadequate for many households. A significant share of the population depends on humanitarian food assistance as a main source of food.
The truce expired in early October, though conflict has not yet re-escalated. Food prices are very high, with staple wheat flour prices reaching nearly 380 percent above pre-crisis levels, on average. Humanitarian aid has declined in 2022 amid funding shortfalls.
Conflict and insecurity are eroding household livelihoods and market functioning, especially in the north. In some northern provinces, armed groups have intensified their efforts to blockade and isolate communities. As of November 2022, more than 1.7 million people have been displaced.
Djibo municipality has remained under blockade since February, restricting population movements, agricultural activities, and market functioning. Although it is the post-harvest period, prices remain at record levels, reaching nearly 400 percent above the five-year average.
Areas of Highest Concern
| Country or Region | Reason for Concern | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Horn of Africa |
The ongoing 2.5-year drought is the most extensive and persistent drought event in decades, leading to crop failure, millions of livestock deaths, water scarcity, and soaring staple food prices. A sixth below-average rainy season is forecast in early 2023, which will likely prolong this humanitarian emergency until the next rains in late 2023. |
Severe hunger and disease outbreaks – such as cholera and measles – are resulting in high levels of acute malnutrition and mortality in drought-affected areas of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. In Somalia, despite high levels of humanitarian assistance, outcomes remain very near the Famine (IPC Phase 5) thresholds. |
| Northern Ethiopia |
The peace agreement, which was formalized in early November 2022, has allowed for increased humanitarian assistance and the re-establishment of basic services; however, recovery of severely eroded livelihoods in Tigray, Afar, and Amhara will not occur quickly. |
As humanitarian access has improved, assistance delivery is being scaled up with nearly 865,000 people reached in Tigray between October 30 and November 23, according to OHCA. |
| South Sudan |
Extensive flooding for the fourth consecutive year, coupled with ongoing conflict amidst deteriorating economic conditions, is driving persistently high levels of acute food insecurity in the country. Of particular concern are populations in areas with concurrent insecurity and floods, notably Jonglei and central Unity. |
Atypically high flood extent is likely to persist well into the 2023 dry season given rising water levels upstream in Uganda and slow recession in the flood plains to date. Armed conflict along the Upper Nile – Northern Jonglei border area continues to trigger household displacements. |
Other Areas of Concern
| Country or Region | Reason for Concern | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Yemen |
Protracted conflict has severely disrupted livelihoods and reduced income-earning opportunities. Prices are significantly above average and food access is inadequate for many households. A significant share of the population depends on humanitarian food assistance as a main source of food. |
The truce expired in early October, though conflict has not yet re-escalated. Food prices are very high, with staple wheat flour prices reaching nearly 380 percent above pre-crisis levels, on average. Humanitarian aid has declined in 2022 amid funding shortfalls. |
| Burkina Faso |
Conflict and insecurity are eroding household livelihoods and market functioning, especially in the north. In some northern provinces, armed groups have intensified their efforts to blockade and isolate communities. As of November 2022, more than 1.7 million people have been displaced. |
Djibo municipality has remained under blockade since February, restricting population movements, agricultural activities, and market functioning. Although it is the post-harvest period, prices remain at record levels, reaching nearly 400 percent above the five-year average. |
Food Security Alerts
Special Reports
Latest News
Horn of Africa
Press Release: Dec. 13, 2022
Somalia Alert: Dec. 13, 2022
Press Release: Nov. 7, 2022
Joint Statement: Nov. 7, 2022
Press Release: Sept. 5, 2022
Somalia Alert: Sept. 5, 2022
Press Release: June 13, 2022
Joint Statement: June 9, 2022
Joint Alert: May 30, 2022
The Horn of Africa faces an exceptional prolonged and persistent agro-pastoral drought sequence.
For more, see FEWS NET's Horn of Africa page
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About FEWS NET
The Famine Early Warning Systems Network is a leading provider of early warning and analysis on food insecurity. Created by USAID in 1985 to help decision-makers plan for humanitarian crises, FEWS NET provides evidence-based analysis on approximately 30 countries. Implementing team members include NASA, NOAA, USDA, USGS, and CHC-UCSB, along with Chemonics International Inc. and Kimetrica.
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