An estimated 26.2 million people in 7 of the 13 countries covered by the FSNWG in the Eastern and Central Africa Region are currently severely food insecure (IPC2 Phase 3+), and require urgent food assistance. Of these, an estimated 22.5 million are from 4 of the 8 IGAD Member States.

Desert locust upsurge, COVID-19 pandemic, floods and other climatic shocks, macro-economic shocks, conflict and insecurity, continue to be the main drivers of food insecurity across the region.

COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in the region, resulting in loss of lives, economic slowdowns and disruption and/or complete loss of livelihoods. Consequently compromising food access among vulnerable populations.