Food insecurity continues to grip East Africa, with 45.3 million people across five selected countries facing insufficient food consumption. A new report from the East and Central Africa Food Security and Nutrition Working Group (FSNWG) reveals a worrying 4.3% increase in the number of people in crisis (IPC Phase 3 or worse) across Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda since January 2025.
South Sudan remains the most severely affected, accounting for approximately 61% of the food-insecure population within these four nations. The crisis stems from multiple factors, including conflicts and insecurity, climate shocks, and macroeconomic challenges, which have exacerbated food shortages and accessibility issues.
The prevalence of insufficient food consumption (IFC) remains unchanged across most monitored countries in East, Southern, and West Africa compared to the previous month. However, Nigeria has shown a slight improvement of 1%, equating to 2.1 million people. In Ethiopia, 15.8 million people still require food assistance, with the level of acute food insecurity remaining stable.
Compared to a year ago, IFC levels remain significantly higher in several countries, including Ghana (55.5%), Rwanda (38.4%), South Sudan (53.1%), Togo (42.1%), and Uganda (125%). In contrast, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have seen reductions of 5% and 11.7%, respectively.
Food Prices and Market Trends
The crisis is further compounded by rising food prices. Among five East African nations, Tanzania recorded the lowest maize prices at USD 289 per metric ton, while Kenya faced the highest at USD 421. In local currency, maize prices have risen sharply over the past year, except in Ethiopia, where a 4.17% decline was observed.
The fluctuations in food prices are primarily driven by seasonal stock shortages and increased demand from southern regions. These economic pressures, coupled with ongoing conflicts and climatic disruptions, continue to threaten food security in the region.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) categorizes food security situations into five phases:
- Minimal/None (Phase 1)
- Stressed (Phase 2)
- Crisis (Phase 3)
- Emergency (Phase 4)
- Catastrophe/Famine (Phase 5)
With millions already in IPC Phase 3 or worse, urgent interventions are necessary to prevent further deterioration and alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations.
