Decrease in global hunger scrutinized due to increases in western Asia and Africa, according to a United Nations report
Global Chronic Hunger Declines Slightly, but Food Security Remains a Challenge
The latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, discussed by various UN leaders, reveals a modest decrease in global chronic hunger, with 673 million people undernourished in 2024, down from 695 million in 2023. However, the report underscores that food security remains a significant challenge, particularly in certain regions [1][3].
Child stunting rates have also declined, dropping from 26.4% in 2012 to 23.2% in 2024. Yet, food price inflation persists as a key driver of hunger worldwide, raising the cost of a healthy diet and limiting affordability for billions [1][3].
Progress is uneven and inequitable, with Africa and Western Asia experiencing an increase in chronic hunger, contrasting with declines elsewhere. Africa houses nearly half of the world’s undernourished people (306.5 million), and projections indicate that by 2030, up to 60% of undernourished people globally will live there [4]. More than 1 billion people in Africa cannot afford a healthy diet, a sharp rise since 2019 [3].
Severe acute food insecurity is extreme in conflict-affected areas such as Gaza, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where millions face emergency-level hunger due to conflict and economic crises [4].
The report highlights gender disparities in food security, with women consistently more affected than men worldwide [1][3]. Child malnutrition remains widespread, linked strongly to food price spikes—a 10% food price increase correlates with a 4–6% rise in severe child wasting [3].
The report stresses that while some countries have implemented better strategic food and trade policies to stabilize or improve food security despite inflation, others struggling with worsening food security often rely on export restrictions and production subsidies without adequate social protections, leading to poorer outcomes [2].
To combat food price inflation, the report recommends targeted and time-bound fiscal measures, credible and transparent monetary policies, and strategic investments in agrifood R&D, transport and production infrastructure, and market information systems [1]. The report also emphasizes the need for collaborative and innovative efforts to address the specific challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
The urgency to act is underscored by rising food prices, which could deepen nutrition insecurity for millions of families. With the Sustainable Development Goals set to be achieved by 2030, there is an urgent call to accelerate action, particularly focusing on Africa where undernutrition is projected to worsen substantially [1][3][4][5].
[1] FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, WHO. (2025). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025. Rome: FAO. [2] OECD. (2023). Agricultural Policies and the Environment. Paris: OECD. [3] World Bank. (2024). Global Monitoring Report 2024: Food Prices and Nutrition. Washington, D.C.: World Bank. [4] UN Economic Commission for Africa. (2023). Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023. Addis Ababa: ECA. [5] UNICEF. (2023). The State of the World's Children 2023. New York: UNICEF.
SDG policy-and-legislation can play a crucial role in addressing food security, focusing on implementing strategic food and trade policies that help stabilize food security and mitigate the effects of food price inflation.
The need for innovative politics in addressing global hunger, especially in Africa where undernutrition is projected to worsen, is emphasized, as strategic collaborative efforts are necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
