food

Addis Ababa (AX) – In a passionate address at the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4), Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made a compelling case for heightened international solidarity aimed at cultivating sustainable and inclusive food systems. His message was clear: transforming agriculture is not merely a strategic choice but a profound moral obligation and an essential national imperative. As he stood at the podium in Addis Ababa on Monday, President Mohamud underscored the urgent…

Addis Ababa (AX) – On a fine Sunday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on an important journey to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This visit is significant as he gears up to participate in the United Nations Global Food Security Summit, a platform gained prominence for addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time—food security. The summit isn't merely a gathering; it’s a high-level forum that unites global and regional leaders. Together, they are set to explore immediate solutions to the burgeoning food…

According to the United Nations food aid agency, nearly one-third of the population in Gaza is "not eating for days." This dire statistic underscores the escalating humanitarian crisis, described as reaching "new and astonishing levels of desperation." The Rome-based World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed grave concerns, highlighting a "critical risk of famine" in this conflict-affected region. "Almost one in three people is not consuming food for extended periods," a WFP statement reported. It also indicated that…

Qatar Charity’s Impact: A Beacon of Hope in Somalia In the heart of the Banadir region of Somalia lies the Garsabali District, where countless families are grappling with the weight of displacement. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Qatari people, Qatar Charity (QC) has stepped in to make a significant difference. Recently, they distributed food aid to hundreds of displaced families residing in camps—an act of kindness that seeks to alleviate the suffering of individuals and provide for their basic needs.…

Understanding the Complex Crises of Famine and Conflict The intricate relationship between armed conflict and food shortages poses a pressing challenge to global stability. The most recent report from the United Nations, labeled as the Hunger Hotspots for June to October 2025, shines a light on this grim situation. It raises flags and draws our attention to the escalating threats faced by millions. As the ancients wisely observed, "Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice." It begs the…

The United Nations human rights office has issued a powerful statement regarding the "weaponisation" of food in Gaza, declaring it a war crime. This marks their strongest condemnation yet of the newly established aid distribution model, which is backed by the US and Israel. "Israel's militarised humanitarian assistance mechanism contradicts international standards on aid distribution," the office remarked in notes prepared for an upcoming briefing. They expressed deep concern over the plight of civilians caught in this…

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a high-level expert stakeholder meeting in Nairobi to validate the End-Term Review Report of its Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (RAIP) 2016–2020. This event marks a pivotal moment in IGAD's commitment to combatting food insecurity, particularly in the Horn of Africa, and sets the stage for a new strategic approach towards regional agri-food systems investment. This validation is more than a procedural step; it is the foundation for the forthcoming…

The recent circulation of a memo from the Ministry of Agriculture urging Nigerians to engage in fasting and prayer amidst escalating food insecurity has stirred quite a tempest among various stakeholders. Farmers, agricultural experts, and concerned citizens alike have expressed their discontent at this unusual call to action. This internal notice, originating from the human resources department of the Ministry, encouraged staff members to partake in religious gatherings themed “Divine Intervention for Protection and…

The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent warning regarding the escalating food insecurity in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its neighboring countries. As 2024 unfolds, the consequences of heightened violence are becoming increasingly dire. The long-standing conflict has dramatically intensified this year, with M23 rebels capturing key cities such as Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. These developments have not only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis but have also…

As living costs continue to rise in East Africa, Nairobi is increasingly feeling the pressure of food inflation, much like its neighbor Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The soaring prices of basic commodities have left many residents grappling with financial strain, prompting important discussions about the state of food security in these bustling urban centers. A recent report from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission (CCC) has shed light on the troubling rise in maize prices, which…