Food Security Update

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Latest Food Security Update – September 2026

(data as of September 16, 2026)

Global food markets remain broadly stable, although prices have risen. Food supplies are generally adequate, but commodity prices have increased since June 2026, with cereals up 18 percent, maize 26 percent, and wheat 22 percent, reflecting tighter production conditions and increases in fertilizer costs.

According to the Global Crop Monitor and AMIS monitor, El Niño conditions are present and expected to strengthen through late 2026 and persist into early 2027, increasing the likelihood of disrupted rainfall, extreme heat, drought and flooding. Impacts will vary by region and depend on rainfall patterns, markets, and countries’ response capacity.

Food insecurity remains a concern in certain regions, especially in Eastern and Southern Africa, where an estimated 62 million people are in need of assistance. Critical situations persist in Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, where credible risks of famine remain.

Domestic food price inflation remained moderately high between June and August 2026 and showed different trends across regions and income groups. The latest data show continued and broad pressure in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where a large share recorded food inflation above 5 percent. Regionally, food inflation pressures remained acute across Eastern and Southern Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and South and Central Asia, while Europe showed moderate food price increase. In the latest quarterly data, real food prices outpaced headline inflation in about 22 percent of the 150 countries analyzed, compared to 14 percent reported in the previous period, showing a deterioration in food availability.

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