A recent report from five United Nations agencies has highlighted a grim reality: approximately one in three individuals worldwide cannot afford a nutritious diet. The findings underscore the urgent need for initiatives aimed at making healthy food more accessible and affordable, as the global hunger rate shows a slight decline for the third consecutive year.
Alarming Statistics on Food Affordability
The report, titled *The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026*, reveals that a staggering 2.69 billion people are unable to meet their energy and nutritional requirements due to financial constraints. In 2025, the global hunger rate decreased to 7.8%, down from 8.1% in 2024. While this is a positive development, experts warn that the persistent inability to purchase a healthy diet remains critically high, particularly in regions like Africa.
Maximo Torero, the chief economist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), noted that the expense of a healthy diet amounts to approximately 4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per day. This figure starkly contrasts with the extreme poverty line, which is set at just $3 PPP per person. Torero emphasised the need for a shift in governmental policies that currently favour subsidising staple foods over more diverse and nutritious options such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
The Situation in Africa
The report highlights that in Africa, an alarming 66.6% of the population could not afford a healthy diet in 2025, a figure more than double that of Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. This marks a significant moment, as Africa now has the highest number of hungry individuals globally, with approximately 309 million people facing food insecurity, surpassing Asia’s 292 million.
This increase in hunger is largely attributed to the continent’s rapid population growth. However, there are signs of improvement, as the proportion of individuals experiencing hunger is beginning to decline for the first time in years. Torero remarked on the importance of this trend, especially in light of a decrease in overseas development assistance to the region.
The Rising Threat of Obesity
While hunger persists, the report also draws attention to a troubling rise in obesity rates, particularly among adults. Data from the World Health Organization indicates that adult obesity rates rose from 12.1% in 2012 to 16.2% in 2024. Torero described this trend as “extremely urgent,” citing the increasing health risks associated with obesity, which can lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
He called for immediate investment in infrastructure, research, and development, suggesting that more efficient supply chains could help reduce the costs of healthy foods. Innovative policies aimed at promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables may also yield significant health and economic benefits.
A Call to Action
The report’s findings have prompted a clarion call for immediate action to address food affordability and nutrition. It is evident that the path to achieving the global goal of zero hunger by 2030 is fraught with challenges that require substantial effort and collaboration among governments, NGOs, and the private sector.
Why it Matters
The implications of this report are profound. With nearly one-third of the global population unable to afford a healthy diet, the risks extend beyond individual health to encompass broader societal and economic stability. Addressing food affordability is not merely a matter of nutrition; it is intertwined with issues of poverty, health care costs, and economic productivity. Without concerted efforts to make nutritious food accessible, the global community may continue to grapple with the dual crises of hunger and obesity, undermining progress towards sustainable development and public health.
