By Abdullahi Lukman
The World Food Programme has warned that global hunger could reach record levels in 2026 if the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to disrupt the global economy, with millions more people at risk of acute food insecurity.
According to new projections, nearly 45 million additional people could fall into severe hunger conditions if the crisis persists beyond mid-2026 and oil prices remain above $100 per barrel.
This would add to the 318 million people already experiencing acute food insecurity worldwide.
The agency noted that the situation could mirror the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine War, which triggered a global cost-of-living crisis and pushed hunger levels to a record 349 million people. Rising food prices during that period disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, making basic staples unaffordable for extended periods.
Although the current conflict centres on a major energy hub rather than a key food-producing region, the WFP stressed that energy and food markets are closely linked. Increasing fuel and fertilizer costs are expected to drive food prices higher, reducing access to food for low-income households globally.
WFP Deputy Executive Director, Carl Skau, warned that prolonged instability would have far-reaching consequences. He said the crisis could severely impact families already struggling to afford food, particularly in the absence of sufficient humanitarian funding.
Disruptions in key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, are already driving up global energy and transportation costs, further worsening food insecurity beyond the immediate conflict zone.
The WFP identified countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia as the most vulnerable due to heavy reliance on food and fuel imports.
Food insecurity is projected to rise by 21 percent in West and Central Africa and 17 percent in East and Southern Africa, while Asia could see a 24 percent increase.
Countries such as Sudan and Somalia are particularly at risk. Sudan, which imports about 80 percent of its wheat, could see worsening hunger as prices rise, while Somalia has already recorded at least a 20 percent increase in essential commodity prices amid ongoing drought conditions.
The agency also warned that the crisis is unfolding at a time of significant funding shortfalls, forcing it to scale back assistance programmes globally.
Without increased financial support, worsening food insecurity could push several vulnerable countries closer to famine.
Experts say the coming months will be critical in determining whether global hunger escalates further, especially if economic pressures linked to the conflict remain unresolved.
