Between December 2024 and March 2025, around 6.2 million people (30 percent of the population analysed) experienced high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above). This included around 416,000 people (2 percent of the analysed population) in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 5.8 million people (28 percent of the analysed population) in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis). The majority of those in IPC Phase 3 and above were unable to produce sufficient food for themselves and relied heavily on market purchases to meet their nutritional needs.

This IPC analysis, which is an update of the October 2024–March 2025 projection based on the June 2024 IPC analysis, showed an increase of approximately 500,000 people classified in Phase 3 and above compared to the October 2024–March 2025 prediction made in June 2024. This rise was largely attributed to several factors, including inconsistent price stabilisation, insufficient humanitarian aid, and reduced irrigation productivity due to the inundation of arable land and diminished residual moisture in certain regions. Moreover, the El Niño weather pattern, coupled with rising prices for staple foods, and economic decline resulted in lower agricultural profits and decreased productivity.

• Urgent humanitarian aid must be prioritised and scaled up for populations in IPC Phase 3 and above. This includes providing emergency food assistance, nutrition support, and other essential resources during the lean season.
• Ensure the effective and prompt distribution of food aid to vulnerable populations, particularly in districts experiencing the highest levels of food insecurity.
• Actively monitor food markets and implement price control measures as needed to prevent excessive price increases.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to stabilise market prices, especially for staple foods like maize.
• The Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) should open its markets to help stabilise local prices and ensure food remains affordable for all.
• Implement initiatives aimed at supporting livelihoods and diversifying income sources for vulnerable populations.
• Provide immediate guidance on alternative food sources and promote dietary diversification, particularly for households facing acute food shortages.