UN Reports Alarming Rise in Global Food Insecurity: 295 Million People Affected in 2024

Global food insecurity and malnutrition are on the rise. In 2024, 295 million people faced acute hunger in 53 countries, according to a report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This marks an increase of 13.7 million from 2023, continuing a troubling trend of rising food insecurity in the world’s most vulnerable areas.

The "2025 Global Report on Food Crises" from the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) highlights this crisis. The GNAFC includes the FAO and the UN World Food Programme (WFP), among other organizations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern, stating that hunger is spreading faster than our response efforts. He noted that one-third of the food produced globally is wasted, even as humanitarian funding is decreasing.

Various factors contribute to acute food insecurity—poverty, economic shocks, and extreme weather events—but conflicts are often the main driver. For instance, famine was reported in parts of Sudan in 2024, while regions like the Gaza Strip, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali experienced catastrophic food insecurity.

In Gaza, emergency humanitarian aid helped avoid famine, but the threat looms as military operations continue. The situation remains precarious, with experts predicting risks may rise again between May and September 2025.

Displacement is another significant issue. In 2024, nearly 95 million of the 128 million forcibly displaced people lived in countries already struggling with food crises. Economic shocks and extreme weather have worsened food security in numerous nations.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu warned that food insecurity is becoming a fixture of life, especially in rural areas. He emphasized the need for investment in emergency agriculture, which he believes could yield cost-effective and lasting solutions.

According to recent studies, nearly 60% of the displaced populations and those facing hunger are women and children, highlighting a growing vulnerability among these groups. Social media discussions reflect widespread concern, with hashtags like #FoodCrisis trending as people call for action.

For more detailed insights, the full report by the FAO can be accessed here.

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United Nations,FAO,food crises,food insecurity,global hunger