Global hunger declines across continents but climate, trade risks loom, UN says

Global Hunger Declines Across Continents, UN Report Says

Bharatmorningnews.com – Global hunger declines across continents — a key finding from the latest United Nations report — marks a significant milestone in the fight against food insecurity. For the first time in over a decade, the global rate of undernourishment has fallen, with progress observed in every region. However, this positive trend is accompanied by growing concerns over climate change and trade disruptions, which could threaten the gains made. The report, published by five UN agencies, highlights that the world is on track to reduce the number of people facing hunger, but the challenges ahead require urgent attention.

Global Hunger Statistics and Regional Trends

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report reveals that 645 million people—7.8% of the global population—suffered from hunger in 2025. This is a decline from 8.1% in 2024 and 8.6% in 2022, reflecting a steady reduction in chronic undernourishment. While Asia and Latin America saw notable progress, Africa continues to bear the brunt, with 309 million people, or about 1 in 5, still undernourished. The report emphasizes that despite the overall decline, disparities persist, and the region’s unique challenges must be addressed.

India’s role in Asia’s progress is particularly noteworthy, with hunger rates dropping below 10% due to government welfare programs and increased agricultural productivity. Meanwhile, several African countries, including Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Zambia, have also reported signs of improvement, though the continent faces distinct hurdles. The UN report underscores the need for tailored strategies to ensure that these gains are not only sustained but also expanded to reach more vulnerable populations.

Climate and Trade as Emerging Threats

Experts warn that global hunger declines across continents may be at risk from climate disruptions and trade obstacles. Máximo Torero, chief economist of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, highlighted that while the current decline is a cause for optimism, factors like extreme weather events and rising fuel and fertilizer costs could reverse progress. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital hub for global energy and agricultural exports, remains a focal point for disruptions, with geopolitical tensions inflating transportation and supply chain expenses.

Climate change, particularly phenomena like El Niño, is exacerbating droughts and floods, which threaten crop yields and food availability in key regions. Additionally, trade barriers, such as tariffs and non-tariff measures, are slowing the movement of essential goods. These issues are compounded by inflationary pressures, which disproportionately affect low-income households and undermine efforts to achieve food security.

Conflict and Its Limited Impact on Global Hunger Metrics

“The war in Gaza has not significantly altered global hunger declines across continents because the report measures chronic undernourishment, not acute food insecurity caused by conflicts or disasters,” Torero clarified in an interview with Reuters.

While the conflict has increased the immediate need for food aid, the report’s focus on long-term trends means that acute crises are not always reflected in the statistics. However, Torero stressed that damage to infrastructure in conflict zones could lead to long-term food shortages, especially in regions with limited resources.

The UN report also points out that the affordability gap remains a critical issue. Over 2.69 billion people worldwide cannot afford a nutritious diet, with the cost of basic food items rising due to inflation and supply chain issues. In Africa, 66.1% of the population struggles to meet their dietary needs, more than double the rate seen in Asia and Latin America. This underscores the need for targeted policies to address both supply and demand-side challenges in the region.

Challenges in Africa and the Need for Investment

Africa, despite being the region with the largest undernourished population, has shown resilience in recent years. However, weak infrastructure, limited cold storage facilities, and poor transportation networks continue to raise the prices of perishable goods. These factors, combined with fragmented trade regulations, create barriers to regional food trade and complicate efforts to distribute resources efficiently.

Investment in agricultural technology and logistics is critical to overcoming these challenges. For instance, improving irrigation systems and expanding cold storage capacity could reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize food prices. Additionally, regional trade agreements that lower tariffs and simplify regulations could boost food availability and affordability. The report calls for a multi-pronged approach, combining climate resilience measures with economic policies to ensure global hunger declines across continents are maintained.

While the overall trend is positive, the report also notes that child malnutrition and anaemia among women remain high. Adult obesity rates have risen steadily, highlighting the need for balanced nutritional strategies. These issues demonstrate that the decline in global hunger is not uniform and that further action is required to address both undernutrition and overnutrition.