Millions in Africa Facing Hunger Due to Situation in Ukraine

Western African countries are facing their worst food crisis in the last decade, with more than 27 million people already suffering from hunger, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council.

It is reported that the number of hungry individuals could rise to 38 million by June of this year, which would set a new record if urgent measures are not taken.

“Funding needs to be increased now. As the Ukrainian crisis puts greater pressure on aid budgets, the residents of the Sahel and Lake Chad regions must not be forgotten,” said Maureen Meagin, the Norwegian Council’s regional director for Central and West Africa.

In this region of Africa, cereal production has decreased by nearly one-third. Droughts, floods, conflicts, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have forced millions to leave their lands. Over the past five years, food prices in Western Africa have increased by 20-30% and could rise another 20% this year.

“The Ukraine crisis is dangerously exacerbating the situation... This will likely lead to a significant reduction in wheat availability for six countries in Western Africa that import at least 30% of their wheat from Russia or Ukraine, and in some cases, over 50%,” the report states.