2026-06-27http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/188274FAO assesses that globally 44 countries, of which 34 are in Africa, continue to be in need of external assistance for food. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are causing wide‑ranging and severe negative impacts on food security, particularly through the loss of income. Conflicts and weather shocks remain critical factors that underpin the current high levels of severe food insecurity.48 p.application/pdfFAOCC BY NC SA 3.0 IGOBook (series)