A report jointly published by five United Nations specialized agencies reveals that over 122 million more people around the world are facing hunger since 2019. This increase in hunger is attributed to a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, repeated weather shocks, and conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Ending Hunger by 2030
If current trends continue, the SDG of ending hunger by 2030 is unlikely to be achieved. The report emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent further deterioration.
Key Findings of the Report
- Between 691 and 783 million people faced hunger in 2022, representing an increase of 122 million people compared to 2019.
- Hunger reduction progress was observed in Asia and Latin America, but hunger increased in Western Asia, the Caribbean, and all subregions of Africa in 2022.
- Africa remains the worst-affected region, with one in five people facing hunger on the continent.
Challenges Beyond Hunger
Apart from hunger, the report highlights additional challenges, including:
- Around 29.6% of the global population (2.4 billion people) did not have constant access to food, with approximately 900 million individuals experiencing severe food insecurity.
- Over 3.1 billion people (42%) could not afford a healthy diet in 2021, an increase of 134 million people compared to 2019.
- Malnutrition affects children, with 148 million children under five experiencing stunting, 45 million being wasted, and 37 million being overweight in 2022.
Impact of Urbanization on Food Systems
The report also addresses urbanization as a significant factor influencing food consumption. As urbanization continues to rise, policymakers must consider these trends in their decision-making.
Policy Recommendations
To address food security and nutrition effectively, the report recommends policy interventions that take into account the evolving relationship between rural and urban areas and agrifood systems.
Key Messages from UN Agency Heads
Heads of UN agencies urge coordinated global efforts to tackle food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate change.
Key UN Agency Statements
- FAO Director-General QU Dongyu calls for immediate action to address the challenges posed by climate change, conflict, and economic instability.
- IFAD President Alvaro Lario stresses the importance of global investments and political will to eradicate hunger.
- UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasizes the need to prioritize access to nutritious diets for children and protect them from nutrient-poor foods.
- WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain highlights the rising hunger and the need for swift and compassionate action.
- WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urges targeted public policies, investments, and actions to create healthier food environments.
About the Report
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World is an annual report published by five United Nations agencies. It monitors and analyzes global progress toward ending hunger, achieving food security, and improving nutrition.
Glossary of Key Terms
- Acute food insecurity: A level of food insecurity that threatens lives or livelihoods.
- Hunger: An uncomfortable or painful sensation caused by insufficient dietary energy.
- Malnutrition: An abnormal physiological condition resulting from inadequate, unbalanced, or excessive nutrient intake.
- Moderate food insecurity: A level of food insecurity that leads to uncertainties about food access and reduced dietary quality and quantity.
- Severe food insecurity: A level of food insecurity in which people have experienced hunger, run out of food, or gone without food for a day or more.
- Undernourishment: A condition in which an individual’s habitual food consumption is insufficient for a normal, active, and healthy life.