Recent updates from the Middle East and Asia highlight ongoing challenges of food insecurity in conflict-affected regions, exacerbated by cuts in humanitarian aid during March 2024.
Afghanistan: Lean Season Struggles Continue
As winter concludes in Afghanistan, impoverished households in northern, northeastern, and northwestern regions face a critical period of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3) during the lean season. Limited agricultural labor opportunities and depleted food stocks before the upcoming harvest in May drive families to rely heavily on market purchases, despite weakened purchasing power. In central and eastern regions, competition for jobs intensifies with the return of migrants from Iran and Pakistan, while reduced remittances from Iran further strain household finances in central and western areas. Fortunately, relatively lower staple food prices compared to last year, supported by a stable Afghani currency, have somewhat mitigated acute food shortages. Food security is expected to improve from May to September with the harvest, leading to better outcomes (IPC Phase 2) in certain areas.
Lebanon: Lingering Crisis Amid Displacement
In Lebanon, Crisis (IPC Phase 3) conditions are forecasted to persist through September, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in the north, Syrian and Palestinian refugees, and conflict-displaced individuals in the south. Ongoing cross-border clashes between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah have displaced over 90,000 people in southern Lebanon since October 2023. Despite efforts by the World Food Programme (WFP) to assist conflict-affected populations, the level of aid remains insufficient, leaving households in Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun, and Tyre struggling with disrupted livelihoods. Non-displaced households in the south are also grappling with damaged farms, reduced harvests, and soaring commodity prices. Meanwhile, humanitarian funding cuts have worsened the situation for refugees and poor households in northern Lebanon, forcing many to adopt desperate coping measures.
Yemen: Widespread Food Gaps Amid Aid Reductions
Across Yemen, food shortages at Crisis (IPC Phase 3) levels persist despite humanitarian assistance. Cuts in aid, coupled with soaring food and fuel prices and limited access to locally-produced food, are pushing households deeper into food insecurity. Economic hardships driven by currency depreciation and inflation are particularly acute in areas controlled by the Internationally Recognized Government (IRG). While the recent cereal harvests slightly improved food access along the Arabian Coast, Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are expected in Sana’a-based Authority (SBA) governorates due to diminished income and food sources, aggravated by prolonged conflict and recent flooding in multiple regions.
Gaza Strip: Looming Famine Requires Urgent Action
Although not regularly monitored by FEWS NET, the situation in the Gaza Strip is dire, with famine (IPC Phase 5) looming in northern areas. Immediate cessation of hostilities and a large-scale, multi-sectoral response are urgently needed to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
The persistent food insecurity in these regions underscores the urgent need for sustained and increased humanitarian assistance to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further deterioration of the food security situation.
