FAO Warns of 45 Countries Needing External Food Assistance Due to Conflicts and Weather

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that 45 countries and regions worldwide require external food assistance due to regional conflicts and adverse weather conditions.

The report, published quarterly, reveals that 33 are in Africa, nine in Asia, two in Latin America and the Caribbean, and one in Europe. Conflicts in Near East Asia and West and East Africa are exacerbating food insecurity, while drought conditions are expected to worsen it in Southern Africa.

The report also states that grain production in Southern Africa has declined sharply due to high temperatures and low precipitation, with no significant improvement in weather conditions expected in the coming months.