The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) update released by Haiti’s National Food Security Coordination (CNSA) shows a worsening food security crisis, with 5.83 million people—about 52 percent of the population—experiencing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above). This represents an increase of 130,000 people compared to the previous assessment in September 2025, confirming a continued deterioration in the country’s food situation.
Among those affected, more than 1.8 million people are facing emergency levels of hunger (IPC Phase 4) and require urgent humanitarian assistance. Despite the severity of the crisis, coordinated efforts by the government and partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have helped around 200,000 people move out of emergency conditions over the past year. However, officials warn that these gains remain fragile due to rising needs and ongoing instability.
CNSA Coordinator Harmel Cazeau noted that while the situation remains critical, new governance measures such as the Interministerial Committee on Food and Nutrition Security could improve coordination and resource mobilization. He emphasized that sustained investment and monitoring are essential to prevent further deterioration and ensure timely humanitarian response.
The food crisis in Haiti is being driven by multiple overlapping shocks. Armed violence has displaced over 1.4 million people and disrupted farming activities, supply chains, and market access, leading to higher food prices and reduced household purchasing power. Economic pressures, including rising global fuel costs, have further increased transportation and production expenses, worsening food availability and affordability.
At the same time, climate-related disasters are deepening the crisis. Hurricane Melissa, which struck southern Haiti in October 2025, caused major losses in crops and livestock, severely affecting rural livelihoods and reducing domestic food production capacity.
In response, FAO and WFP stressed the need to combine emergency food aid with stronger support for local agriculture. FAO highlighted that investing in domestic food production is essential not only for immediate relief but also for long-term recovery and reduced dependence on imports and external assistance. WFP reinforced that food assistance remains the first line of response, while rebuilding food systems is critical for future stability.
Authorities and humanitarian partners are now calling for urgent and increased investment in food security, livelihoods, and agricultural recovery. They emphasize that without immediate and sustained action, millions more people could fall into severe hunger, making resilience-building for vulnerable communities an urgent priority.
