By Abdullahi Lukman
The World Food Programme (WFP) has called for increased funding, stronger political action and greater investment in climate preparedness and innovation as conflict, climate shocks and economic crises continue to drive millions of people into hunger.
According to the agency, 266 million people are currently experiencing acute food insecurity, leaving many families struggling to meet basic needs and forced to choose between food, healthcare and other essentials.
WFP said conflict remains the leading driver of hunger worldwide and urged political leaders to work towards ending conflicts, protecting civilians and humanitarian workers, and ensuring aid reaches vulnerable populations.
The agency also warned that funding shortages are limiting humanitarian operations as food needs continue to rise. It said it requires $13 billion to provide assistance to 110 million people in 2026, with shortfalls already forcing reductions in food aid and operations in countries including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria and Haiti.
Beyond food availability, affordability remains a major challenge. WFP said 2.69 billion people globally cannot afford a healthy diet, while 43 million children are acutely malnourished and another 150 million are chronically malnourished.
The agency called for increased investment in nutrition programmes and stronger partnerships to expand proven interventions that can improve health, resilience and child development.
Climate change is also expected to intensify food insecurity. WFP estimates that the current El Niño cycle could push an additional 49 million people into acute food insecurity by the end of 2027, particularly in areas already affected by poverty, conflict and repeated extreme weather.
The agency said early warning systems provide an opportunity to act before climate-related disasters become humanitarian emergencies. Its Anticipatory Action programme uses weather forecasts, early-warning systems and pre-arranged funding to help vulnerable communities prepare for droughts, floods and storms.
In 2025, the programme helped protect 6.3 million people across 33 countries, according to WFP.
The agency also identified technology and innovation as important tools in tackling hunger.
It said innovations involving artificial intelligence, satellite analysis, digital cash transfers, climate-risk insurance and anticipatory action helped its programmes reach 132.5 million people across 75 countries and territories in 2025.
WFP is now calling for governments, donors, businesses and technology partners to help expand proven solutions and provide the funding, expertise and resources required to reach more vulnerable communities.
At the United Nations General Assembly, the agency is advocating four priorities: ending conflict and protecting humanitarian access, increasing funding for severe hunger crises, investing in anticipatory action and strengthening partnerships to scale innovation.
WFP said sustained political commitment, adequate financing and stronger partnerships would be critical to reducing hunger and building greater resilience to future crises.
