Global Hunger Falls to 8.2% in 2024 Despite Rising Food Prices

The United Nations' 2024 report on global hunger reveals a slight decline in the overall hunger rate to 8.2%, down from 8.5% the previous year, reflecting improvements primarily in Asia and South America. However, food insecurity and inadequate diets have worsened in Africa, where over 1 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet, an increase from 864 million the year before. Rising food prices, driven by factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and climate change, continue to disproportionately impact low-income and lower-middle-income countries, forcing many to choose cheaper, less nutritious food. The report highlights persistent inequalities, with hunger remaining higher among women and rural populations globally, and child malnutrition risks increasing due to inflationary pressures on food. Despite progress in some regions, the uneven recovery and worsening disparities underscore challenges in reaching global hunger eradication goals by 2030. Experts emphasize the need for intensified efforts and targeted programs to improve food systems and nutrition access worldwide.