More than half of Haitians still facing acute food insecurity: Government and partners urge intensified efforts to safeguard progress

Port-au-Prince - According to the latest update from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), released by the National Food Security Coordination (CNSA), 5.83 million people - or 52 percent of Haiti's population - are currently experiencing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above). This marks an increase of 130,000 people compared to the previous analysis (September 2025), confirming a continued deterioration of the situation.

Of these, more than 1.8 million people are in emergency conditions (IPC Phase 4) and require immediate humanitarian assistance. Thanks to joint efforts by the government and its partners - including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) - around 200,000 people have moved out of this critical phase compared to last year. However, this progress remains fragile amid rapidly growing humanitarian needs.

Despite the challenging context, Harmel Cazeau, Coordinator of the CNSA, expressed cautious optimism: "While the situation remains deeply concerning, ongoing efforts to improve governance - particularly through the establishment of the Interministerial Committee on Food and Nutrition Security - provide a strong mechanism to better mobilize resources and coordinate actions toward gradually improving food security for the population."

As the government body responsible for monitoring food security and informing decision-making, the CNSA emphasizes that sustained resource mobilization is essential to track developments and deliver life-saving assistance, preventing further deterioration.

A crisis driven by violence, economic pressures and climate shocks

Violence linked to armed groups, both in urban and rural areas, has displaced more than 1.4 million people. It continues to disrupt food supply chains, restrict farmers' access to their land and drive up prices for basic goods, eroding household purchasing power.

These pressures are compounded by global economic instability, including rising fuel prices linked to conflict in the Middle East. Increased transportation and agricultural production costs are directly affecting food availability and affordability, further deepening the vulnerability of Haitian families.

Recurring climate shocks are also undermining agricultural production. Hurricane Melissa, which struck the southern regions in October 2025, caused significant losses of livestock and crops, severely affecting rural livelihoods and national food production.

Food assistance and agriculture: complementary responses to the crisis

"Ending Haiti's humanitarian crisis will not be possible without strengthening the national agricultural sector. Supporting local food production is both an immediate response and a pathway to long-term transformation. By investing in local agriculture, we help stabilize vulnerable communities and reduce dependence on external aid and imports," said Pierre Vauthier, FAO Representative in Haiti.

In a context marked by insecurity and shrinking humanitarian funding, it is essential to combine emergency food assistance with urgent support to agricultural production in order to sustainably reduce needs.

"Fighting hunger is fundamental to restoring stability in Haiti. Peace cannot be built if families are unable to feed their children. Emergency food assistance is the first line of defense, while rebuilding local food systems offers hope for the future," warned Wanja Kaaria, WFP Country Director and Representative in Haiti.

An urgent call to action

At this critical moment, the CNSA, FAO, and WFP are jointly calling on national and international stakeholders to scale up and accelerate investments in food security and livelihoods in Haiti - including funding emergency agricultural interventions, improving humanitarian access and supporting smallholder farmers.

Without immediate and sustained action, millions more risk falling into acute food insecurity. Strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable populations must also remain a priority.