⚠️ Key findings:
673 million people faced hunger in 2024 (8.2% of global population), a steady decline from 8.5% in 2023 and 8.7% in 2022. However, progress is uneven: Sub-Saharan Africa and Western Asia saw worsening hunger, with Africa's hunger rate exceeding 20% (307 million people) and Western Asia at 12.7% (39 million).
South Asia and Latin America showed promise: Asia's undernourishment rate dropped from 7.9% (2022) to 6.7% (2024), affecting 323 million; Latin America & the Caribbean fell from 6.1% (2020 peak) to 5.1% (34 million).
Despite declines, hunger levels remain above pre-COVID-19 levels, with food price inflation a key barrier to recovery.
🌍Nutrition metrics:
2.3 billion people faced moderate/severe food insecurity (28.0% in 2023-24), 33.5 million more than 2019.Child stunting decreased from 26.4% (2012) to 23.2% (2024); exclusive breastfeeding for infants under 6 months rose significantly from 37.0% (2012) to 47.8% (2023).Adult obesity and female anemia (15-49 years) increased, while only 1 in 3 infants (6-23 months) met minimum dietary diversity standards.
Food price inflation, driven by post-COVID fiscal policies, the Ukraine war, and extreme weather, disproportionately hit low-income countries, pushing 545 million (vs. 464 million in 2019) into unaffordable healthy diets. The report urges targeted social protection, inflation-mitigating policies, and investments in agri-tech and infrastructure.
📌Leaders react:
FAO DG Qu Dongyu: "Progress is encouraging, but inequities demand urgent action to ensure safe, nutritious food for all."
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain: "Funding cuts (40% this year) threaten to reverse gains, leaving millions without lifelines."
UNICEF's Catherine Russell: "190 million under-5s face undernourishment – rising food prices imperil their potential."
With 512 million projected to face hunger by 2030 (60% in Africa), achieving SDG 2 ("Zero Hunger") remains a distant goal.
