The number of hungry people has increased since 2015, reversing years of progress, according to Jose Graziano da Silva, Director-General of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 

About 60 percent of the hungry people is located in countries facing conflict and climate change. FAO has identified 19 countries in a protracted crisis situation, which also face extreme climatic situations such as floods and droughts. High risk of famine were recorded in northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen, wherein 20 million people were severely experiencing hunger. 

"Strong political commitment to eradicate hunger is fundamental, but it is not enough," FAO DG said. "Hunger will only be defeated if countries translate their pledges into action, especially at national and local levels...Peace is of course the key to ending these crises, but we cannot wait for peace to take action...It is extremely important to ensure that these people have the conditions to continue producing their own food. Vulnerable rural people cannot be left behind, especially youth and women," he added.

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