Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the risk of famine in (a) Nigeria, (b) Yemen and (c) Somalia.

There is a credible risk of four famines in 2017: South Sudan (where famine has already been declared), Nigeria, Yemen and Somalia. We assess that in Yemen and Somalia the situation is deteriorating, whilst in Nigeria the situation may be beginning to improve in areas that the international community can access. This assessment is based on data from a number of sources, and corroborated with global experts from a range of international agencies.

We have issued a call to action to the international community to step up their response; provided lifesaving treatment for acute malnutrition, food, water and emergency healthcare; and are working closely with other donors and partners to ensure a more efficient and effective response to the crises.