FAO identifies 41 countries and territories needing outside food assistance
Conflict, insecurity and weather shocks are among the main drivers in the November assessment.
Forty-one countries and territories need external food assistance, the Food and Agriculture Organization estimates in its November crop and food assessment. It cites conflict, insecurity and weather shocks linked to El Niño among the principal causes.
The same report puts 2026 cereal production in low-income food-deficit countries at 126.5 million tonnes, about 2 percent above both 2025 and the five-year average. A stronger aggregate harvest can coexist with local shortages and households that struggle to afford food.
FAO's early warning system tracks cereal production, market conditions and food insecurity. Its country assessments distinguish national shortages, broad problems accessing food and crises concentrated in particular areas.
