12.3 million people in East Africa are food insufficient — report

Over 12 million people in the East African region are facing food insufficiency, according to AGRA’s Food Security Monitor, released on Monday.

As of the end of April 2025, nearly 12.3 million people across Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda were experiencing crisis conditions, where the population faces a critical level of food insecurity and often requires urgent humanitarian assistance.

This is according to the April 2025 report from the East and Central Africa Food Security and Nutrition Working Group (FSNWG).

The figure marks an increase of approximately 2.3 million people compared to March 2025, driven by rising numbers in Kenya (672,750), South Sudan (1,609,000), and Uganda (10,021).

As a result, South Sudan’s share of the affected population has risen from 61% to nearly 63%. In addition, the number of people facing Catastrophic (IPC Phase 5) conditions in South Sudan has doubled, increasing from 31,000 to 63,000.

The report attributes the worsening conditions to ongoing conflict, the continued influx of returnees from Sudan, and a shifting funding landscape—particularly the impact of USAID funding cuts, which are severely affecting food and nutrition security in the region.

The monthly Food Security Monitor is a vital tool for stakeholders across the African agricultural landscape, as it equips policymakers, practitioners, and the wider community with essential insights to navigate challenges, prioritise interventions, and ultimately build a more food-secure future for all.