America reignites its hunger alert system, amidst lingering doubts and uncertainties
In early 2025, the world faced a significant gap in famine-related information when the U.S.'s famine early warning system, FEWS NET, went offline for the first time in its 40-year history. This halt was a result of President Trump's stop work orders, which also led to the termination of most FEWS NET staff.
The system, created by the U.S. government in 1985 in response to a famine in Ethiopia, was designed to prevent human suffering, mass migration, and ensure stability by providing early warnings about potential food crises. FEWS NET achieves this by collecting, analyzing, and validating information about potential food supply pressures, as described by Luis Ramirez, a member of the FEWS NET team in Latin America and the Caribbean.
During the shutdown, many dedicated staff continued to work informally, keeping the spirit of FEWS NET alive. Now, starting in April 2025, the system is being actively restored with staff being rehired and operations resuming partially. By the end of June, FEWS NET's website was back online, and a full reporting from all prior countries covered and an extended global outlook prediction were expected by October 2025.
However, questions about the future of FEWS NET remain open. The U.S. State Department has not publicly clarified details regarding the system's scope and budget. Alex de Waal of Tufts University, an expert in the field, emphasises the importance of FEWS NET's data, stating that it is cheaper to prevent a disaster than to relieve suffering when one occurs. He also points out that acting on the information provided by FEWS NET may be challenging due to cuts in humanitarian aid.
De Waal further stresses that the system is only valuable if it's paired with action. In 2016, FEWS NET helped alert the world to a massive drought in Ethiopia, preventing deaths from starvation. Without such critical information, aid organizations aren't able to target food where it's needed most, causing concern among experts.
The return of FEWS NET is welcomed by experts and reflects that some within the U.S. government recognise the critical importance of the system’s data. Ramirez refers to FEWS NET as a "lighthouse" that guides officials and humanitarian groups to where help is needed. As the system continues to assess the impact of going offline, it is hoped that its future will be secure and its vital role in preventing famine will continue.
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