Food Security Update - World Bank Group

October 31, 2026 equipment admin agriculture

Food Security Update

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Food Security Update - October 2026

(Data as of October 16, 2026)

Global food markets remain largely stable with sufficient food supplies. Since the last update in September, the aggregate agriculture price index closed 1% lower, and the cereal price index dropped by 6%. While global supply projections remain comfortable, agricultural commodity prices are higher than a year ago, and high transport costs and persistent logistical disruptions contribute to market uncertainty.

Food insecurity remains a concern in certain regions affected by conflict and weather-related shocks. In the Eastern and Southern Africa region, between 58 million to 69 million people are projected to require food assistance by April 2027. Critical situations persist in Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, where the risk of famine remains in some areas. In Yemen, over 18 million people face acute food insecurity amid escalating conflict and displacement.

El Niño is anticipated to remain very strong through early 2027, potentially leading to disrupted rainfall, extreme heat, drought, and flooding. The most severe food insecurity outcomes from El Niño-induced rainfall anomalies typically emerge during the following lean season, rather than during the rainy season, and will vary by region and depend on rainfall patterns, markets, and countries' response capacity.

Domestic food price inflation remained moderately high, with varying trends across regions and income groups. The latest data reveals sustained inflationary pressures in low- and lower-middle-income countries, many of which recorded food inflation exceeding 5%. Regionally, food inflation pressures remained acute in Eastern and Southern Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and South and Central Asia, while Europe reported moderate food price increases. In the latest quarterly data, real food prices outpaced headline inflation in approximately 22% of the 150 countries analyzed, compared to 14% in the previous period, indicating decreased food availability.

Find out how the World Bank Group is promoting food security and jobs through the AgriConnect initiative.

Date: 2026-10-28T00:00:00.000Z

Global Food and Nutrition Security Dashboard

An interactive map from the Global Food and Nutrition Security Dashboard serves as a key tool for swiftly responding to the global food security crisis.

Featured:

  • Joint Statement by the Heads of IMF, World Bank Group, and WFP (April 8, 2026)

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Contacts:

  • Nicolas Douillet, Washington, D.C.
  • Nugroho Nurdikiawan Sunjoyo, Washington, D.C.

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