Global Food Assistance Needs Surge, FEWS NET Projects 155‑165 Million in 2027

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s early warning system, FEWS NET, forecasts that by April 2027 the world will face a peak in humanitarian food assistance demand, with 155‑165 million people across monitored countries needing help. Sudan, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria each will account for more than 10 percent of the total, while Yemen, Afghanistan, and South Sudan will contribute 5‑10 percent. South Sudan is expected to see the highest share of its population—55‑60 percent—requiring assistance, followed by Sudan (45‑50 percent) and Yemen (40‑45 percent). Compared with April 2026, the number of people needing aid is projected to rise in Sudan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Yemen, South Sudan, Syria, Uganda, Chad, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Madagascar, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Angola, and fall in Afghanistan, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, and Lesotho. All other countries are expected to see similar levels to last year.