The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) developed one of the most data-driven food aid initiatives, but drastic budget cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have now brought it to a standstill.
The Collapse of a Critical Food Aid Network
For decades, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fews Net) has played a pivotal role in predicting food shortages and ensuring aid reaches the areas that need it most. However, following DOGE’s funding reductions, this vital program has been suspended, leaving millions of people vulnerable to food crises.
Launched by USAID in 1985 in response to severe famines in Ethiopia and Africa’s Sahel region, Fews Net combined advanced data analytics with real-time assessments of weather, market conditions, and conflicts to anticipate famine outbreaks. It has been credited with saving up to a million lives in 2016 by identifying and addressing food shortages in the Horn of Africa.
A System in Disarray
With USAID’s funding withdrawn, Chemonics International, one of the primary firms managing Fews Net, has been forced to furlough 88% of its U.S.-based workforce. The consequences are already apparent, particularly in southern Africa, where the program’s absence is being felt during the “lean season,” a crucial period when food aid is most needed.
Although other international organizations, such as the United Nations, continue to provide famine-related insights, Fews Net was known for its timely and highly detailed reports. Without it, gaps in food aid distribution are emerging, placing countless lives at risk.
The Political Fallout
Despite the Trump administration’s emphasis on cutting foreign aid programs, Acting USAID Administrator Marco Rubio has maintained that these reductions do not signify the complete withdrawal of U.S. humanitarian assistance. Emergency waivers have been introduced to keep critical programs operational, but aid organizations argue that the process is inefficient, causing several essential initiatives—including HIV treatment programs—to cease operations.
Chemonics representatives have indicated that Fews Net could qualify for an emergency waiver, but as of now, no concrete steps have been taken to reinstate funding.
The Role of Advanced Technology
Fews Net was at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge technology for humanitarian efforts. It integrated satellite imaging, economic forecasting, and artificial intelligence to predict famine outbreaks. The program collaborated with agencies like NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Geological Survey, making it one of the most sophisticated early-warning systems in existence.
The Broader Implications
The dismantling of Fews Net does not just impact food security; it also has significant geopolitical ramifications. Experts argue that famine and food insecurity contribute to mass displacement and migration, leading to increased border pressures in the U.S. and Europe.
For instance, the Syrian civil war was exacerbated by severe droughts, leading to mass migrations that fueled political instability. By eliminating a program that provides early warnings and mitigates food crises, the Trump administration may inadvertently be undermining its own border security agenda.
What Lies Ahead?
The future of Fews Net remains uncertain. Calls for reinstating funding are growing as aid organizations, researchers, and former USAID officials highlight the program’s indispensable role. Without swift intervention, the absence of this program could lead to catastrophic consequences for millions facing food insecurity.
The question remains: Will the U.S. government recognize the critical role of Fews Net before the next major famine strikes?
