New UNICRI report calls for integrated approaches to food insecurity and violent extremism

Food insecurity is one of today's most pressing humanitarian and development challenges. In fragile settings, however, it can also become a factor that violent extremist groups exploit to strengthen their influence, recruit supporters and undermine community resilience. Recognizing these interconnected risks, UNICRI has released a new publication that examines the nexus between food insecurity and violent extremism and presents a strategic framework to support more integrated prevention efforts.

The publication, Food Insecurity and Violent Extremism: UNICRI's Strategic Response, argues that while food insecurity is not a direct cause of violent extremism, it can amplify existing vulnerabilities where conflict, weak governance, economic instability and climate-related pressures converge. Understanding these dynamics is essential for designing effective prevention strategies.

The publication also highlights how violent extremist groups exploit disrupted food systems through coercion, extortion, manipulation of aid, control of markets and strategic attacks on agricultural infrastructure, while identifying concrete opportunities to strengthen resilience through coordinated action across humanitarian, development and security sectors.

Rather than focusing solely on the problem, the report offers practical guidance. It introduces UNICRI's Strategic Response Framework, built around six mutually reinforcing pillars-research, risk analytics, protection of food systems, community resilience, early warning and policy alignment to help national authorities and international partners integrate food security considerations into broader efforts to prevent violent extremism.

The report ultimately calls for a shift from siloed responses towards integrated, evidence-based approaches that recognize food security not only as a humanitarian imperative, but also as an important component of sustainable peace, security and prevention