733 million people live in hunger. Coordinated investment is key to unlocking solutions.
The latest UN State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, published July 24, 2024 in the context of the G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty Task Forc, estimates that progress fighting global hunger has been set back by 15 years, with approximately 733 million people experiencing hunger in 2023. This equates to one in 11 people globally and one in five in Africa.
While this remains relatively unchanged from the previous years, factors such as conflict, poverty, climate and economic disparities have made it unlikely that we will meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger without significant changes to our global and local food systems.
Between 713 million and 757 million people were undernourished in 2023, which is around 152 million more than in 2019. As Director General Qu Dongyu of the FAO said, “Transforming agrifood systems is more critical than ever as we face the urgency of achieving the SDGs within six short years.” If current trends persist, around 582 million people will still face hunger in 2030, with half of them in Africa.
“The key to addressing hunger is not just about providing enough food, but about transforming our food systems to be more sustainable and equitable. At The Hunger Project, we are committed to transforming systems of inequity to foster food systems that support local economies, protect the environment and ensure food security for all,” states our President and CEO Tim Prewitt.
In line with the SOFI Report findings, we, at The Hunger Project, know that the global food crisis demands increased financing and locally led approaches to address the complex issues that intersect with hunger, such as gender equality, access to education, the digital divide, conflict and climate action in community development.
Gender Gap Progress
The report highlights that while the gender gap has narrowed in most regions for two consecutive years, food insecurity remains consistently higher among women than men, both globally and across all regions.
Although the report does not delve deeply into gender components, it is evident that gender disparities significantly impact food security and nutrition. Women, especially in low-income and rural areas, face greater challenges in accessing nutritious food due to economic inequalities, limited access to resources and societal norms. Addressing these gender-specific issues is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat hunger and malnutrition worldwide.
Promoting an inclusive and gender-transformative strategy requires addressing the root causes of gender inequality. This involves empowering women, enhancing negotiation dynamics, and establishing robust regulatory and sociocultural norms. By incorporating gender perspectives into food security policies, we can foster more equitable and sustainable outcomes. Through radical and inclusive collaboration, a world without hunger is possible.
Notable Findings from SOFI 2024
- Around 733 million people lived in hunger in 2023
- 28.9% of the global population (2.33 billion people) experienced moderate or severe food insecurity.
- 35.5% of the global population (2.83 billion people) were unable to afford a healthy diet, with the highest number in Africa totaling 924.8 million.
- By 2030, it is predicted that 582 million people will be chronically undernourished, with 53% of them in Africa.
Financing to End Hunger
This year’s report highlights the need for increased investment in locally led solutions, especially in rural areas. Innovative and inclusive financial solutions are needed, particularly in low- and middle-income countries facing significant constraints. To reach the sale of actions needed, coordinated investments and partnerships by governments, civil society and the private sector are critical to preventing hunger.
Photo: Mozambique, 2023, Photo for The Hunger Project.
Learn more about The Hunger Project’s community-led approach and join us to end hunger. In Africa, South Asia and Latin America we are working with local partners to create sustainable food systems to build resilience communities against climate, human and economic shocks through community-led programs and initiatives.
The 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report was published on July 24, 2024 jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).