Has Global Hunger Escalated in 2024, Impacting 295 Million Lives?
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Synopsis
In 2024, global food insecurity reached alarming levels with 295 million people suffering from acute hunger. This situation, marked by a significant rise compared to previous years, reflects ongoing conflicts, economic shocks, and extreme weather. Urgent action is needed as humanitarian funding declines and food crises deepen.
Key Takeaways
- 295 million people face acute hunger in 2024.
- Increase of 13.7 million from 2023.
- Conflicts are the primary driver of food insecurity.
- Famine confirmed in parts of Sudan.
- Severe impact of forced displacement on food crises.
Rome, May 17 (NationPress) The situation of global food insecurity and malnutrition has deteriorated further in 2024, affecting 295 million individuals across 53 nations, as reported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and its partners.
This number indicates an increase of 13.7 million from 2023, marking the sixth consecutive year of rising acute food insecurity in the world’s most vulnerable areas.
These alarming findings were released in the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC), which includes the FAO, the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and various governmental and non-governmental entities.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres referred to this data as “another stark indictment of a world dangerously off course.”
In his foreword to the report, he cautioned that “hunger and malnutrition are spreading faster than our ability to respond, yet globally, a third of all food produced is lost or wasted.”
He also pointed out that protracted crises are being aggravated by a recent, significant decline in humanitarian funding.
Typically, acute food insecurity arises from a combination of factors, such as poverty, economic shocks, and extreme weather conditions. However, the report emphasized that conflicts remain the primary cause in many of the most affected regions. Some communities are experiencing conditions that extend beyond acute hunger.
Famine was confirmed in certain areas of Sudan in 2024, while catastrophic levels of food insecurity were documented in the Gaza Strip, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali. In the Gaza Strip, famine was narrowly averted due to increased humanitarian assistance, but the report warned that the risk could resurface between May and September 2025 if the extensive military operations and blockade persist.
The report also underscored the severe consequences of forced displacement. Of the 128 million people displaced in 2024, nearly 95 million—including internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, and refugees—resided in nations already facing food crises, as reported by Xinhua.
Moreover, economic shocks caused food insecurity in 15 countries, impacting 59.4 million individuals, while extreme weather events pushed 18 countries into crisis, affecting over 96 million people, particularly in Southern Asia, Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu warned that acute food insecurity is becoming a persistent reality, especially in rural regions. He stated, “The path forward is clear: Investment in emergency agriculture is critical—not just as a response, but as the most cost-effective solution to deliver significant, long-lasting impact.”
Point of View
It is crucial to address the escalating crisis of food insecurity highlighted by the latest UN report. This alarming rise in hunger impacts not only the individuals affected but also poses a significant challenge to global stability. It is imperative that we advocate for immediate humanitarian assistance and policy changes to combat these pressing issues.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current state of global hunger in 2024?
As of 2024, approximately 295 million individuals are experiencing acute hunger across 53 countries, marking a significant increase from previous years.
What are the main causes of food insecurity?
The primary drivers of food insecurity include ongoing conflicts, economic shocks, and extreme weather conditions, with conflicts being the most critical factor in many regions.
What impact does forced displacement have on food security?
Forced displacement exacerbates food insecurity, with nearly 95 million displaced individuals living in countries already facing food crises.
How can we address the rising hunger crisis?
Addressing the hunger crisis requires immediate investment in humanitarian aid, emergency agriculture, and comprehensive policy changes to mitigate the underlying causes.
What warnings did the UN Secretary-General issue?
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that hunger and malnutrition are spreading faster than our ability to respond and emphasized the alarming loss of humanitarian funding.
