The United Nations have warned that extreme hunger will intensify in Nigeria and 12 other countries over the coming months over worsening food crises stemming from conflicts and displacements.

The latest Hunger Hotspot report, released Monday by the UN?s Food and Agricultural Organisation and the World Food Programme, identified countries in hunger hotspots experiencing the most severe levels of food insecurity.

The report warns that intensifying conflicts, economic shock, and natural hazards are already driving millions towards starvation, noting that the devastating crises are being exacerbated by growing access constraints and critical funding shortfalls.

The report flagged Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali as hotspots of highest concern, warning that people in the five countries already face extreme hunger and risk starvation and death without urgent humanitarian action and a coordinated intentional effort to de-escalate conflicts stemming from displacement.

Nigeria, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar were listed as hunger hotspots of very high concern that require urgent attention to save lives and livelihoods.

?This report makes it very clear: hunger today is not a distant threat ? it is a daily emergency for millions,? QU Dongyu, FAO?s director-general.

?We must act now, and act together, to save lives and safeguard livelihoods. Protecting people?s farms and animals to ensure they can keep producing food where they are, even in the toughest and harshest conditions, is not just urgent ? it is essential,? he said.

Worsening insecurity, especially in key agrarian and devastating flooding incidents in major crop growing areas which have displaced communities.

?This report is a red alert. We know where hunger is rising and we know who is at risk,? said Cindy McCain, World Food Programme Executive Director.

?We have the tools and experience to respond, but without funding and access, we cannot save lives. Urgent, sustained investment in food assistance and recovery support is crucial as the window to avert yet more devastating hunger is closing fast.? (BusinessDay)

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