Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
Currently, 44 nations are classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs). These countries face profound socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities that hinder progress in food security and economic development. Challenges stem from limited institutional capacity, inadequate financial resources, and heavy reliance on agrarian economies and a narrow range of primary commodities, leaving them highly exposed to external shocks. Structural constraints such as low productivity, significant debt burdens, and dependence on external financing further obstruct diversification and sustainable growth.
LDCs are marked by low income levels and persistent structural barriers that restrict long-term economic advancement. Nevertheless, LDCs possess considerable potential for sustainable transformation. Their abundant human, cultural, and natural resources, growing participation in global trade, and opportunities in agriculture, forestry, and renewable energy offer strong entry points for agrifood systems transformation, climate action, and sustainable development.
With a young and increasingly dynamic workforce, LDCs are well placed to embrace innovation and adopt new technologies to foster inclusive growth. Of the 44 LDCs, 32 are in Africa, eight in Asia, one in the Caribbeans and three in the Pacific regions.
FAO's support to LDCs
Agrifood systems are central to development in LDCs, where agriculture remains a primary source of employment and income for much of the population. Transforming these systems is essential to unlocking inclusive growth, reducing poverty, and improving nutrition outcomes. FAO supports LDCs in leveraging innovation, scaling climate-smart practices, and building value chains that connect smallholders to markets.
Insights from LDCs
The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa report
REPORT
The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa report shows that 76 percent of working women in the region are employed in agrifood systems—the highest share worldwide. Women’s participation is particularly strong in off-farm activities, where rural women are four times more likely than men to be engaged. Beyond paid employment, women’s unpaid care and community work is essential to food and nutrition security. Launched at the first World Food Forum – Africa, the report presents new evidence on women’s labour and wellbeing and provides policy and investment recommendations to close gender gaps across agrifood systems.
How Climate Information Is Changing the Way Farmers in Cambodia Grow
STORIES
For generations, farmers around the Tonle Sap Lake have relied on the rhythm of the seasons. Rain would come, seeds would be sown, and harvests would follow. In the Northern Tonle Sap Basin, one of Cambodia’s most important agricultural regions, this pattern has long supported families who depend on rice, mango, cashew, and vegetables for their livelihoods.
Five things you should know about Sudan's food crisis
NEWS
Humanitarian needs in Sudan continue to escalate as the conflict persists. At least 33.7 million people requiring assistance in 2026—the highest number globally. Today, 41 percent of the population is acutely food insecure, with Famine confirmed in multiple areas and millions more at risk. Agriculture, which supports two-thirds of livelihoods, has been severely disrupted by destroyed infrastructure, looted food stocks and inaccessible fields and markets. With the main planting season approaching in June, the window to restore cereal production and avert further deterioration is rapidly closing.