A recent report from five United Nations agencies has unveiled a troubling reality: approximately 2.69 billion individuals worldwide, equating to one in three people, are unable to afford a nutritious diet. This stark figure underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to make healthy food accessible to all, as the global community strives to eradicate hunger by 2030.
Declining Hunger Rates Amidst Rising Food Costs
Despite a third consecutive year of declining global hunger rates, with 7.8% of the world’s population affected in 2025—down from 8.1% in 2024—the report highlights a significant disparity in food affordability. Maximo Torero, chief economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one of the report’s contributors, pointed out that the proportion of people unable to afford a healthy diet remains alarmingly high.
The FAO’s analysis indicated that the average daily cost of a healthy diet is approximately 4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars. This figure stands in stark contrast to the extreme poverty line, which is set at $3 PPP per person per day. Torero emphasised that while governments often focus on subsidising staple foods like cereals, this approach fails to address the diversity of diets necessary for good health.
The Impacts of Poor Diets on Health
The repercussions of inadequate access to nutritious food extend beyond hunger; they contribute to rising obesity rates and associated health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO), another contributor to the report, noted that adult obesity has surged from 12.1% in 2012 to 16.2% in 2024. Torero urged for immediate action to mitigate the health risks stemming from this trend, which he described as “extremely urgent.”
He advocated for investments in infrastructure, research, and innovative supply chain solutions that could help lower the costs of meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, he suggested that implementing policies to promote fruit and vegetable consumption could yield substantial health benefits and reduce the economic burden of diet-related diseases.
Africa Faces the Brunt of the Crisis
The report reveals that Africa has become home to the highest number of hungry individuals, with around 309 million people unable to secure sufficient food. This surpasses Asia’s figures, which sit at 292 million. Torero noted that while the overall number of hungry people is increasing, the proportion of the population experiencing hunger has begun to decrease for the first time in years—a positive development amid a challenging landscape.
Nonetheless, the situation remains precarious, especially given the continent’s rising population and the decline in overseas development assistance. The report also warned of potential disruptions to food supply chains, particularly due to geopolitical tensions, such as those in the Middle East, which could exacerbate the food affordability crisis in the coming years.
Urgent Call for Global Action
The findings of this report, authored by the FAO, WHO, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, serve as a clarion call for global action. The data presented not only highlights the scale of the food affordability crisis but also emphasises the interconnectedness of hunger, health, and economic stability.
Why it Matters
The implications of this report extend far beyond mere statistics; they reflect a pressing global health crisis that demands immediate attention. With one-third of the world’s population unable to afford a nutritious diet, the potential for increased health-related issues, economic burdens, and social unrest looms large. Addressing food affordability is not merely a matter of improving diets but is fundamentally tied to global health, economic development, and the achievement of sustainable development goals. The time for action is now, as our collective future hinges on the ability to ensure that every individual has access to the nourishment essential for a healthy life.
