Impact of FEWS NET Shutdown on Global Famine Response

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), a key resource in predicting and preventing global food crises, has been shut down due to federal funding cuts. For over four decades, FEWS NET provided critical data—such as satellite imagery, climate information, and agricultural productivity forecasts—that helped governments and aid organizations identify hunger hotspots and prepare for famine.

Its closure leaves a significant gap in humanitarian response, making it harder to direct resources where they’re most needed. Despite some past challenges, FEWS NET’s accurate predictions and timely alerts have played a crucial role in saving lives and preventing large-scale humanitarian disasters. Read more from NPR here.