Myanmar
Conflict Fuels Hunger
Myanmar is facing one of the world’s fastest-worsening hunger crises, driven by armed conflict, displacement, economic collapse, climate shocks, and the effects of the March 2025 earthquake.
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Hunger Stats
Since the military takeover in February 2021, people in Myanmar have faced relentless economic and political crises. The recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake only worsens an already dire situation. WFP has reached over 180,000 earthquake survivors with ready-to-eat food and is scaling up its emergency response to reach more affected communities.
12.4M
people are experiencing extreme hunger.
3.5M
people are displaced by conflict
1/3
children under the age of 5 experiences stunting
Myanmar Facts
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Population: 54.9 million people.
Background: Myanmar became independent in 1948. The country has experienced long periods of military rule and internal conflict since independence, with a brief transition toward civilian democratic governance beginning in the 2010s. However, a military coup in 2021 ended this period of civilian rule and returned the country to direct military control.
Geography & Climate: Myanmar is a large country in Southeast Asia, with a long coastline along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The country has a predominantly tropical monsoon climate, with distinct hot, rainy and cool seasons that vary by region.
Economy: Myanmar’s economy is largely agricultural, with farming and related activities making up most of employment and exports. Despite fertile land and favorable growing conditions, domestic food production faces persistent challenges, including conflict, climate shocks, and damaged infrastructure.
Causes of Hunger in Myanmar
Conflict
A total of 3.5 million people have been displaced from their homes across Myanmar, including over 3 million since the military takeover in early 2021. Most displaced people have no access to food and rely on humanitarian assistance.
Extreme Weather
Myanmar is one of the countries most at risk of cyclones, floods and landslides due to its geographic location. The country was recently hit by several floods in 2024, including those caused by Super Typhoon Yagi, that affected at least 1 million people.
Rising Prices
Since the military takeover in February 2021, food prices have soared to more than four times their previous levels. In just the past year, the cost of a basic food basket – including rice, oil, beans and salt – has increased by 50%. Access to nutritious food is beyond the reach of many, and adults are skipping meals so that children can eat.
History of Hunger in Myanmar
2008-
Cyclone Nargis devastated the Irrawaddy Delta, killing tens of thousands and destroying homes, farms, fishing assets, and food stocks. The disaster showed how exposed Myanmar’s low-lying agricultural regions are to severe storms.
2017-
Violence in Rakhine State drove hundreds of thousands of Rohingya into Bangladesh, where nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar remain. Displacement and restrictions have continued to contribute to food insecurity in Rakhine and across the border.
February 2021
A military takeover triggered nationwide conflict, economic disruption, and a sharp rise in humanitarian needs.
May 2023
Cyclone Mocha struck western Myanmar, worsening needs in areas already affected by conflict and displacement.
WFP’s Response in Myanmar
WFP implemented its first operation in Myanmar in 1978 in the northern Rakhine State and established its office in 1994. Today, WFP provides crisis-affected communities with food, cash and nutrition support.
Food
WFP provides lifesaving food to people displaced and/or affected by ongoing crises in conflict zones. WFP also provides regular support for extremely food insecure people in Kachin, Shan, Chin and Rakhine states who have been displaced since before the military takeover.
Nutrition
WFP provides nutrition support to pregnant and breastfeeding women, children aged 6 months to 5 years old, and people living with HIV and TB. This includes malnutrition prevention and treatment services, nutrition education, cash assistance and counseling to caregivers.
School Meals
Where it is safe and feasible, WFP continues to provide children with school meals. Students receive fortified biscuit snacks, warm cooked meals or take-home rations. WFP works with communities, parent groups and religious institutions to provide these meals to students.
Latest News From Myanmar
- News Release
- March 27, 2026
- News Release
- December 11, 2025
- News Release
- April 3, 2025