- Countries Experiencing Food Shortages Some 34 countries around the world are experiencing severe food shortages as of early May. Again this year in southern Africa the prospect of reduced harvests may lead to a very unfavourable food outlook. Emergency food assistance continues to be required in DPR Korea, but immediate donor suport is needed not to dry up the emergency food pipeline later this ...www.fao.org/WAICENT/faoinfo/economic/giews/english/giewse.htm