Rome: Two United Nations food agencies have warned that millions more people could face famine in the coming months as global funding shortfalls deepen already dire humanitarian conditions.

A joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) identified 16 hunger hotspots where acute food insecurity is most severe. Conflict and violence remain the primary drivers in the majority of these countries.

The report lists Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen as facing an imminent risk of catastrophic hunger. Countries of very high concern include Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria, while Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and the situation of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh also make the list.

“We are on the brink of a completely preventable hunger catastrophe that threatens widespread starvation in multiple countries,” warned WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain, adding that inaction would “drive further instability, migration, and conflict.”

The report noted that funding for humanitarian relief has fallen dangerously short — only $10.5 billion has been received out of the $29 billion required to support people at risk.

Due to funding cuts, the WFP said it has reduced assistance for refugees and displaced persons and suspended school feeding programmes in some countries.

Meanwhile, the FAO cautioned that agricultural support efforts — such as providing seeds and livestock health services — are under threat, endangering future food production and increasing the risk of recurring crises.