How Many People Are Starving in Africa? A Comprehensive Overview

Starvation and malnutrition are among the most urgent crises in Africa today. Conflict, climate change, economic downturns, and disruption of food supply chains are causing food insecurity to worsen, especially in vulnerable regions. According to the UN, more than 300 million people in Africa are chronically undernourished, and many millions more suffer acute hunger. This article provides a clear, up-to-date picture of how many people are starving in Africa, who is most affected, what is driving the crisis, and how humanitarian organizations are responding in war-torn places in Sudan to save lives and build hope.

>> Related Post: Top 5 African Medical Charities to Donate to in 2026

Why is Africa Always Starving?

1. Conflict & Displacement: Wars destroy farmland, block roads, and disrupt trade. Sudan is a prime example where conflict has destroyed food supply routes.
2. Climate Change & Extreme Weather: Droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall destroy harvests and reduce water availability.
3. Economic Instability & Inflation: Food prices soar, leaving many people unable to afford nutritious food, even when it’s available.
4. Weak Health & Nutrition Services: Poor access to medical care, malnutrition screening, and treatment for children, pregnant women, and older people.
5. Food Market Access: Remote regions suffer because markets are far or supply chains break down. 

The Scale of Malnutrition & Starvation:

• Africa’s childhood stunting rate is about 30.7% significantly higher than many other regions.
• Wasting (acute malnutrition) in children remains a high concern in many countries.
• Adult malnutrition (undernutrition) and micronutrient deficiencies (like anemia) are widespread, especially among women of reproductive age and the elderly.

>> Related Post: How Many People and Children Starve to Death Every Day?

How Many People/Children are Starving in Africa?

• In 2024, over 300 million people in Africa were classified as undernourished or facing chronic hunger.
• Hunger prevalence in Africa has surpassed 20% of the population, meaning more than one in five people suffer from food insecurity.
• In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 1 in 5 people are undernourished.
• Child food poverty is severe: around 64 million children under 5 years old across Africa are experiencing severe food poverty (UNICEF), placing them at high risk of wasting and life-threatening malnutrition.
• Sudan is one of the worst-affected countries: more than 25 million people in Sudan face acute food insecurity, with famine confirmed in certain areas.
• Children Under 5: They are particularly vulnerable. In Sudan, many young children have been screened for malnutrition and show dire nutrition deficits.
• The Elderly: Often neglected in statistics but severely affected, especially when families lack resources. Immune systems are weaker, and mobility, income, and coping capacity are limited.

>> Related Post: Top 10 Poorest African Nations in 2026

SAPA’s Response: On the Ground Relief in Sudan

In Sudan, the escalation of war in recent years has triggered one of the worst food crises globally. Over 25 million people are in acute food insecurity. SAPA (Sudanese American Physicians Association) is actively working to reduce starvation and malnutrition in Sudan. Here’s how:

• Food Distribution in Tawila:

In Tawila locality, North Darfur, displacement from Zamzam Camp has left many families completely cut off. SAPA’s relief efforts in Tawila involve a community kitchen in Al-Omda, which delivers more than 4,000 hot, nutritious meals every day to displaced families, including children, the elderly, and women.

• Nutritional Impact: By giving regular meals, SAPA is helping to prevent stunting, boosting immunity among malnourished children, reducing disease, and helping families survive in conflict-affected zones.

>> Related Post: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions to the Water Scarcity Crisis in Africa

Conclusion

The numbers are devastating: over 300 million people are facing chronic hunger, tens of millions suffering acute malnutrition and starvation in Africa, especially among children and displaced people. Organizations like SAPA are on the ground in Sudan, working to change this story by targeting the most vulnerable. You can be part of this change. Your donation can help ensure fewer children starve, fewer elderly suffer, and fewer families live in uncertainty. Let’s commit together to end hunger and malnutrition in Africa.

FAQs

1. What is acute food insecurity, and how many Africans are affected?
Acute food insecurity means people cannot access enough food for basic survival. In Sudan, for example, over 25 million people are in acute food insecurity. Across Africa, tens of millions are similarly affected due to conflict, drought, or economic collapse.

2. Why are the elderly especially vulnerable to starvation in Africa?
Elderly people often lack mobility, income, or support networks. They are more affected by illness, have weaker immune systems, and are less able to adapt to shortages of food, water, or healthcare, especially during refugee displacement or when families are broken due to conflict.

3. What role does climate change play in rising hunger in Africa?
Extreme weather, drought, flooding, and unpredictable rain destroy crops, reduce yields, and disrupt food production. These shocks cause food shortages, force reliance on imports, inflate food prices, and deepen poverty.

4. How is war contributing to starvation in Sudan?
The conflict has destroyed farms, blocked trade routes, looted food stocks, displaced millions, and hampered humanitarian access. These combined factors dramatically reduce both the availability and the affordability of food.

5. What is the difference between chronic and acute malnutrition, and how many Africans are affected?

• Acute malnutrition (wasting) happens when food intake drops suddenly and severely. Children can become dangerously thin.
• Chronic malnutrition (stunting) is a longer-term condition that occurs when children don’t get enough nutrition over time, affecting growth and development. In Africa, stunting rates in children under five are over 30% on average.

6. How many people in Africa cannot afford a healthy diet?
In 2024, over 1 billion Africans were reported to be unable to afford a healthy diet due to economic hardship, food inflation, conflict disruptions, and other systemic issues.

7. Is the number of hungry people in Africa expected to increase?
Yes. Projections suggest that by 2030, almost 60% of the world’s chronically undernourished people will be in Africa unless urgent corrective actions are taken.

8. How can individuals help reduce starvation and malnutrition in Africa?
Support reputable NGOs that provide food distribution and nutrition relief like SAPA, advocate for climate-resilient agriculture, donate, raise awareness, and support policies that protect vulnerable populations. Additionally, help fund schools, healthcare, and water access.