Rome: The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report 2025 indicates that an estimated 8.2 percent of the global population, or about 673 million people, experienced hunger in 2024, down from 8.5 percent in 2023 and 8.7 percent in 2022. However, progress has not been consistent across the globe, as hunger continued to rise in most subregions of Africa and Western Asia.
According to EMM, FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero in an interview with FAO Newsroom, delves into why certain regions are advancing in the fight against hunger while others lag. Torero highlights the specific challenges faced by different regions and shares his insights on strategies for the future. He discusses the impact of food inflation, particularly on low-income countries, emphasizing the need for effective solutions for the most vulnerable populations.
The report underlines the improvement in South America, attributing success to strong social programs and significant agricultural investments. Countries like Brazil and Mexico have implemented impactful social programs, including cash transfers and school feeding initiatives, preventing vulnerable individuals from falling deeper into poverty. Additionally, nations such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay have enhanced agricultural production, becoming leading global exporters of cereals. In contrast, Central America and the Caribbean face challenges due to pandemic impacts and climate vulnerabilities.
The situation in Africa is concerning, driven by demographic pressures, limited agricultural productivity gains, and multiple shock drivers like conflict and climate extremes. Many African and Western Asian countries are net food importers, exposed to global price volatility, and suffer from currency depreciation. Middle Africa has the highest prevalence of undernourishment, with rising hunger in various regions.
To change this trend, Torero suggests enhancing African countries’ capacity to respond to shocks. This involves implementing policies for income growth, improving macroeconomic conditions, and building resilience to climate shocks through early warning systems and insurance tools. Integrating humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding policies is crucial in conflict-affected areas.
Increasing resilience involves preparedness through early warning systems and insurance mechanisms, as well as enhancing production capabilities to withstand climate shocks. Trade dynamics should be balanced to avoid extremes. The necessity for countries to diversify production and import portfolios is emphasized.
Global food price spikes have significant impacts, particularly for the poorest populations. Despite declining commodity prices for staples, consumer food prices remain high due to various factors. The report estimates that a 10 percent increase in food prices leads to a 3.5 percent rise in food insecurity. To address this, we need to focus on market structures, increase competition among suppliers, and evaluate government policies to reduce costs and promote healthier diets.
In summary, the SOFI report identifies lessons for addressing hunger and food security. Targeted fiscal support, avoiding trade restrictions, and coordinated policies are essential. The report calls for investment in sustainable agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and economic resilience, emphasizing that public, private, and blended investments are necessary for transforming agrifood systems and enhancing food availability globally.