A recent United Nations report has highlighted a stark reality: approximately 2.69 billion individuals worldwide are unable to afford a nutritious diet, representing a significant global challenge in the fight against hunger. Despite a decline in global hunger for the third consecutive year, experts are urging immediate action to improve food affordability, particularly in light of the rising costs of essential food groups such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
Alarming Statistics on Food Affordability
The annual report from five UN agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), reveals that one in three people globally is unable to secure a healthy and diverse diet that meets their nutritional needs. The 2026 edition of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report indicates that in 2025, 7.8% of the global population faced hunger, a slight decrease from 8.1% in 2024.
Maximo Torero, the chief economist at FAO and one of the report’s authors, emphasised that while there are signs of progress, the percentage of individuals who cannot afford a healthy diet remains alarmingly high. The cost of such a diet is estimated at 4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per day—significantly above the extreme poverty line of $3 PPP per person.
The Situation in Africa
Africa has now become the epicentre of the global hunger crisis, with 66.6% of its population unable to afford a nutritious diet in 2025—more than double the rates observed in Asia or Latin America and the Caribbean. The continent is home to approximately 309 million hungry individuals, surpassing Asia’s 292 million. This alarming trend is largely driven by rapid population growth, although there are early indications that the proportion of the population experiencing hunger is beginning to decline for the first time in several years.
Torero pointed out that government policies have predominantly focused on subsidising cereals and starchy staples, often neglecting the importance of a balanced diet that includes meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. This approach has not only perpetuated hunger but also contributed to rising obesity rates and related health issues, with adult obesity increasing from 12.1% in 2012 to 16.2% in 2024.
Urgent Calls for Policy Reform and Investment
The report outlines the urgent need for strategic investments in infrastructure, research, and development to enhance food systems. Torero advocates for improved supply chains to lower the costs of essential food items. He also calls for new policies to promote greater consumption of fruits and vegetables, suggesting that such measures could mitigate the economic strains associated with health problems arising from poor diets.
With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East potentially impacting future food supply routes, the urgency for action is amplified. Shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz may further exacerbate food insecurity and alter next year’s hunger statistics.
The Path Forward
The comprehensive nature of this report, authored by esteemed agencies including FAO, WHO, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, underscores the multifaceted approach required to tackle global food insecurity.
Why it Matters
The findings of this report are a clarion call for international leaders and policymakers to address the pressing issue of food affordability. As hunger continues to be a weapon of war and a growing global crisis, the necessity for concerted efforts to enhance food systems becomes ever more critical. The health of billions hangs in the balance, making it imperative to implement effective strategies that ensure access to nutritious food for all, particularly in regions most affected by food insecurity.
