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A recent UN report has unveiled a concerning reality: one in three individuals worldwide cannot afford a nutritious diet. The comprehensive analysis highlights that approximately 2.69 billion people are facing significant barriers to accessing food that meets their dietary needs. Despite a decline in global hunger for the third consecutive year, experts are urging immediate action to address the soaring costs associated with healthy eating.
Alarming Statistics on Food Affordability
In 2025, a staggering 66.6% of Africa’s population was unable to secure a healthy diet, a figure that is more than double the rates recorded in Asia and Latin America. This alarming statistic, revealed in the annual “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026” report, underscores the urgent need for reforms in food policy. Maximo Torero, chief economist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one of the report’s contributors, expressed concern over the persistent high levels of food unaffordability.
The report asserts that the cost of a healthy diet stands at 4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per day. This figure represents the equivalent purchasing power in local currencies, highlighting the stark reality that it exceeds the extreme poverty line of $3 PPP per person.
Progress in Reducing Global Hunger
Despite the grim figures surrounding food affordability, there are signs of progress in the fight against hunger globally. The percentage of people experiencing hunger decreased from 8.1% in 2024 to 7.8% in 2025. Notably, Africa, which has typically borne the brunt of food insecurity, is seeing a shift; the proportion of its population experiencing hunger is starting to decline for the first time in years. However, this progress is overshadowed by the continent’s growing population, which has led to Africa overtaking Asia as the region with the highest number of hungry individuals—currently estimated at 309 million.
Torero pointed out that while the overall numbers indicate a positive trend, the region’s ongoing challenges, such as reduced overseas development assistance and potential disruptions in food supply due to geopolitical tensions, warrant caution.
The Urgency for Policy Reform
The report calls for urgent reforms in government food policies that have historically focused on subsidising staple crops rather than promoting a more diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Torero emphasised the need for a shift in focus, stating, “That means calories, but not a diversity of diet.” This lack of nutritional variety is contributing to rising obesity rates, which increased from 12.1% in 2012 to 16.2% in 2024, as reported by the World Health Organization.
To combat this growing public health crisis, Torero advocates for increased investments in infrastructure, research, and development. The report suggests that improving supply chain efficiency could significantly lower the costs of a wider range of food options. Implementing new policies to encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables could also reduce the economic burden associated with health issues tied to poor dietary choices.
Conclusion: The Broader Implications of Food Insecurity
The findings of this report underscore a pressing global crisis that extends beyond mere statistics. The inability to access healthy food is not just a matter of personal choice; it is a systemic issue that threatens the health and well-being of billions. As we approach the global target of zero hunger by 2030, the need for concerted international efforts to address food affordability and nutritional access has never been more critical.
Why it Matters
The implications of widespread food insecurity are profound, influencing not only individual health outcomes but also broader societal stability and economic productivity. Tackling the rising costs of nutritious foods is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring that all people, regardless of their socio-economic status, can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The urgent call for policy change and investment in food systems is crucial, as it holds the key to combating both hunger and the emerging epidemic of diet-related diseases.
