food

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…

In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a significant surge in inflation, driven primarily by the scarcity of essential food staples such as maize, potatoes, and green vegetables. This spike not only puts additional stress on household budgets but also presents a formidable challenge for government authorities striving to maintain inflation at manageable levels. Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling when you notice the price of your staple food has suddenly skyrocketed? This shared struggle paints a vivid picture of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a commendable act of solidarity, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has recently received a generous contribution of 138 metric tons of nutritious dates from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This donation, facilitated through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), is set to provide essential support to vulnerable communities in Somalia, where the shadow of hunger looms large. These dates, sweet and bursting with nutrients, will play a critical role in emergency food baskets…

Tuesday unfolded under a poignant cloud of uncertainty for humanitarian organizations and those dependent on food aid throughout Somalia. In a world where every grain counts, such anxieties ripple through the community, stirring both concern and confusion. The following day brought a mix of relief and bewilderment. Officials articulated that the Trump administration had shifted gears, opting to reverse previously announced, sweeping cuts to emergency food assistance for several nations. However, this decision did…

Pastoralists survey their barren land, reflecting a profound loss - a poignant image of their once-thriving livestock grazing the arid landscape. In the heart of Somalia's Mudug region, approximately 1,500 families residing in the Ali-Waal area are grappling with devastating hardships. Fragmented pieces of their livelihoods have been eroded by the relentless grip of drought. Over the past three months, most of these families have watched, helplessly, as their once-plentiful herds dwindled due to an unforgiving climate that…