Food insecurity could affect 11.7 million more women and girls by the end of 2026

Saturday 03 - 13:05

By: Azzat Manal

Food insecurity could affect 11.7 million more women and girls by the end of 2026

At least 11.7 million additional women and girls could face food insecurity by the end of 2026 as conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions to maritime traffic increase pressure on energy, fertilizer and transport costs, according to an analysis by UN Women.

The assessment warns that the economic consequences of regional tensions could extend well beyond areas directly affected by fighting. Disruptions to supply chains can increase the cost of food and agricultural inputs, placing additional pressure on households already struggling with rising living expenses.

Women and girls could account for 53% of the estimated 22 million additional people at risk of food insecurity across the 28 countries examined. The projected increase would add to an already significant burden, with around 208 million women and girls in the countries covered by the analysis already experiencing food insecurity or undernutrition.

UN Women stressed that the figures are based on crisis scenarios and should be understood as estimates of potential risks rather than certain forecasts. The scale of the impact will depend on how regional conflicts, trade disruptions and economic conditions evolve during the remainder of the year.

The Strait of Hormuz is identified as one potential source of wider economic pressure because of its importance to global energy transportation. Disruptions along the route can affect energy prices and, in turn, the cost of agricultural production, transportation and food distribution.

Higher costs can place particular pressure on households with limited or unstable incomes. Job losses, reduced economic activity and weakened livelihoods could further restrict access to adequate food, while existing inequalities in employment, financial services and access to productive resources may leave many women with fewer options to absorb economic shocks.

The risks also vary considerably between countries. Larger populations could translate into higher absolute numbers of women and girls exposed to food insecurity, while countries such as South Sudan, Sudan, Haiti and Yemen face significant vulnerabilities linked to existing food, economic and humanitarian crises.

UN Women is calling for responses that go beyond emergency food assistance. Its approach includes cash transfers, nutritional support, social protection and assistance for agricultural activities, alongside measures designed to improve women's access to land, credit, services and productive resources.

The analysis highlights how geopolitical tensions can generate consequences far beyond the immediate areas of conflict. Changes in energy, transport and agricultural input costs are likely to remain important factors shaping food-security risks in vulnerable communities through the end of 2026.