A new forecast from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) indicates that up to 165 million people in various African nations may require urgent humanitarian food assistance by April 2027. This projection highlights the ongoing impact of conflict, drought, and flooding that threaten food supplies and household livelihoods.
In its October 2026 Food Assistance Outlook Brief, FEWS NET notes that the anticipated number of people in need represents approximately 11 percent of the combined population of the countries included in the assessment. The report warns that the demand for food assistance is expected to increase compared to the previous year, particularly affecting South Sudan, Sudan, Nigeria, Uganda, Chad, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Angola.
South Sudan is projected to face the most severe situation, with between 55 percent to 60 percent of its population potentially needing food aid in April 2027, marking the highest proportion among the analyzed countries. The report indicates that emergency food insecurity will likely persist in regions such as Upper Nile and Jonglei.
“Needs in April 2027 are expected to be higher than last year and the five-year average,” FEWS NET states, attributing these circumstances to ongoing conflict, diminished livelihoods, and climate-related events, specifically El Niño-induced droughts.
Sudan, Nigeria, and DR Congo Face Millions in Need
Sudan’s situation is particularly concerning, with an estimated 21 to 22 million individuals likely requiring food assistance in April 2027, the largest projected caseload among monitored countries. Despite a slight reduction compared to earlier estimates, these figures are expected to exceed needs from previous years due to prolonged conflict and adverse weather conditions.
In Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, both countries are expected to have between 16 million and 17 million people facing similar needs. Persistent conflict in Nigeria continues to hinder agricultural activities and market access, while in the DRC, both conflict and inflation drive food prices higher, limiting access to food.
Flooding Threatens Food Supplies in Somalia
The forecast for Somalia indicates that approximately 5 to 6 million people may require urgent food aid. FEWS NET warns that anticipated flooding during the upcoming rainy season could devastate crops and impede market access, leading to potential famine conditions in some regions.
The report anticipates that flooding similar to major events in 1997 or 2019 could exacerbate the food crisis, particularly in areas already experiencing high levels of acute malnutrition.
Food Crisis Outlook Extends Beyond the Worst-Affected Countries
Beyond the immediate crises, increased food assistance needs are projected across Uganda, Chad, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Angola compared with April 2026. In Uganda, areas such as Karamoja are expected to remain food insecure due to limited rainfall and restricted land access.
Zimbabwe’s food access may be hampered by delayed maize harvests, while Madagascar could see high assistance demands due to below-average agricultural production. Angola also faces increased needs as adverse rainfall threatens agricultural outputs and livestock income.
While the report emphasizes worsening conditions in several regions, it also notes improved food assistance needs in countries such as Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, and Lesotho, suggesting that overall food assistance demands across monitored nations will remain similar to last year and the five-year average.
These findings reflect the complex interplay of conflict, climate change, and economic instability affecting food security across the continent, calling for urgent humanitarian responses to avert widespread hunger.
