Production
How climate, conflict and investment shape the food crisis
In 2025, FAO reported that over 280 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa face severe food insecurity, unable to meet basic dietary needs consistently.
Millions of children under five suffer from wasting and stunting. These forms of acute malnutrition can have lifelong consequences for health and development.
Climate extremes, armed conflict and dependence on imported staples compound one another, disrupting harvests and markets and deepening hunger and poverty.
More than 95% of agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa depends on rainfall. Droughts, floods and cyclones can therefore devastate harvests and degrade farmland.
Violence in Sudan, the Sahel, Ethiopia and DRC interrupts farming, markets and aid distribution. Displacement and cut supply routes leave communities with fewer ways to get food.
Many countries rely on imported staples such as wheat from Russia and Ukraine. Supply disruption and currency pressures have contributed to food inflation above 10% in over 30 countries.
Smallholders produce about 80% of the food consumed in the region, yet maize yields average just 1 to 2 tons per hectare, against a global average of 5 to 6 tons.
Capital is flowing toward seeds and fertilizer distribution, mechanization, digital advice, farmer finance, insurance, cold chains and off-grid solar irrigation.
Governments can prioritize agriculture budgets, climate adaptation and safety nets. Land reforms, smart subsidies and blended finance can help attract investment and strengthen resilience.
The crisis affects migration, stability and global markets. Aligning investment with policy reforms and local partnerships can support food security and progress toward Zero Hunger.
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