In brief
The recent suspension of nearly all US foreign assistance due to President Trump’s administration has led to the temporary shutdown of the Famine Early Warning System Network (Fewsnet), a vital tool for monitoring global food insecurity and predicting famine. Established after the catastrophic 1984 Ethiopia famine, Fewsnet combines weather data and political analysis to assess food shortages, and has successfully guided emergency aid during various crises, most notably in East Africa. The cessation of this reporting service follows a broader 90-day freeze on U.S. foreign assistance, affecting almost $70 billion in aid and leaving many in the humanitarian sector uncertain about future projects and support.
The suspension of Fewsnet comes amid President Trump's direction for a comprehensive review of foreign assistance programs, reflecting his "America First" foreign policy approach. While some emergency food aid and military assistance to Israel and Egypt is still allowed, the main Fewsnet operations appear to be overlooked. Experts, including former USAID officials, have expressed serious concerns, emphasizing the system's crucial role in predicting and mitigating food crises globally. Despite the potential exceptions for life-saving aid due to the freeze, Fewsnet’s tracking capabilities serve as a critical early warning system that could now be rendered ineffective during times of urgent need.
