Afghanistan Ranks Fifth Globally in Acute Hunger, UN Report Finds

Afghanistan ranks fifth worldwide for acute hunger, according to the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises released by a United Nations and European Union coalition. The assessment indicates that 17.4 million people, representing approximately 36 percent of the country’s population, are currently facing high levels of acute food insecurity.

Of those affected, 4.7 million individuals are classified as experiencing emergency or famine-like conditions. In the global ranking, only Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Yemen recorded higher levels of acute hunger. The report attributes the severe domestic situation to a combination of economic contraction, prolonged drought, and reduced humanitarian assistance.

Globally, the coalition documented that 266 million people across 47 countries faced acute food insecurity in 2025. This total represents a near doubling of the proportion of affected populations compared to 2016 levels. The worldwide increase is primarily driven by ongoing armed conflicts, climate-related environmental shocks, and persistent economic instability.

The findings highlight the compounding pressures on Afghan communities as the country continues to manage widespread poverty and limited livelihood opportunities. Humanitarian officials have noted that addressing these figures requires coordinated efforts to deliver immediate nutritional aid while simultaneously investing in sustainable agricultural and economic recovery programs.