In a tremendous landmark in the fight against hunger, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) have removed six Southern African countries from their global hunger hotspots list. The countries including Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe were delisted after marked improvement in food security as indicated in the most recent Hunger Hotspots 2025 report.
The report funded by the European Union through the GNAFC attributes the progress primarily to favorable climatic conditions and coordinated, planned efforts.
Climate and Coordination Drive Progress
For several years now, better rainfall patterns and fewer climate shocks have resulted in stronger harvests, lifting years of food insecurity triggered by drought, flooding and economic turbulence. We have experienced a dramatic change in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region long exposed to environmental and economic uncertainty.
The FAO has been integral in initiatives including climate smart farming practices, increased irrigation systems, greater access to quality seeds and fertilizers and resilience initiatives for smallholder producers, the backbone of the food supply in this region.
Keep Reading
A Model for Hunger Reduction
FAO Subregional Coordinator Patrice Talla praised the achievement but emphasized that investment in agriculture, climate adaptation and social protection must continue. He noted the need for continuous technical assistance and collaboration as they seek to eradicate poverty and vulnerability to climate change.
This accomplishment both elevates regional morale and is used as a global model to demonstrate how deliberate sustained actions can show countries moving off a hunger hotspot list and closer to realizing Zero Hunger.
