Sharp rises in food and fertilizer prices caused by the war in Ukraine are creating the worst global food crisis since at least 2008, putting the lives and livelihood of 345 million people in immediate danger, the International Monetary Fund said Friday. While the food shock is touching nations in various parts of the world, the worst impact is felt by 48 mostly low-income countries , many of which depend on imports from Ukraine and Russia. About half of these countries, such as Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen, are especially vulnerable due to existing severe economic challenges and weak institutions, IMF economists said in a new report.