Advancements in combating hunger - yet inconsistent in certain regions
The World Food Report, presented by five UN agencies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, reveals that while global hunger slightly decreased in 2024 compared to previous years, progress remains uneven.
In 2024, an estimated 8.2% of the global population (about 673 million people) experienced hunger, down from 8.5% in 2023 and 8.7% in 2022. This marks the first decline since 2019, though levels remain above pre-pandemic figures.
Regional trends show both progress and setbacks. Southern Asia and Latin America have made notable improvements, with prevalence dropping in these regions. Conversely, hunger continues to rise in Africa (most subregions) and Western Asia (Middle East), driven by conflict, climate shocks, economic instability, and other challenges.
Beyond hunger prevalence, about 2.3 billion people faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2024, an increase of 683 million since the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) launched a decade ago.
Rising food prices have exacerbated food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in low-income countries and vulnerable communities. Since 2020, food inflation has consistently outpaced overall inflation, reaching 13.6% globally in January 2023 and peaking at 30% in low-income countries in May 2023.
This substantial rise in food costs means that healthy diets have become increasingly unaffordable. In 2024, the average cost of a healthy diet was 4.46 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per person per day, a significant barrier for many.
The overlapping effects of COVID-19 policy responses, ongoing military conflicts, and extreme weather events have slowed recovery in global food security and worsened malnutrition. Even small price increases can make food unaffordable for many households, making it difficult for many people to afford some foods, especially healthier and higher-quality options.
Despite these challenges, the report emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to address hunger and food insecurity, particularly in low-income countries and communities that bear the brunt of these issues due to food price inflation. The World Food Report highlights the impact of rising food prices on the affordability of food for many people worldwide.
It is crucial to note that the report does not provide new information about the number of hungry people in Africa and West Asia, where hunger increased contrary to the global trend. The report also does not mention any changes in the percentage of the world's population experiencing hunger.
In conclusion, while modest global improvements in hunger occurred in 2024 compared to previous years, progress is uneven, with some regions advancing, and others experiencing worsening conditions. Rising food prices critically undermine food security and nutrition, disproportionately impacting low-income countries and communities by making adequate diets less attainable.
The World Food Report, highlighting the impact of rising food prices on the affordability of food for many people worldwide, underlines the importance of continued efforts to address hunger and food insecurity, particularly in regions like Africa and West Asia, where hunger is on the rise. In light of the report, it is evident that addressing science and health-and-wellness concerns, including lifestyle factors and food choices, has become a crucial aspect of health-and-wellness discussions, given the increasing challenges in food-and-drink affordability.
