The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report released today (24) by the United Nations (UN) highlights that hunger and malnutrition have persisted since 2023, emphasizing the urgent need to expand global financing mechanisms. Addressing this issue remains a top priority for the Brazilian G20 presidency through the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.
In 2023, one in eleven people globally and one in five people in Africa experienced hunger. The annual United Nations report reveals that between 713 and 757 million people faced food insecurity that year. The data show that the global prevalence of malnutrition has remained nearly unchanged for three consecutive years, following a notable rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Launched on Wednesday (24) during the G20 endorsement event for the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report reveals that the world is unlikely to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2) by 2030. This goal seeks to eliminate global hunger and food insecurity. However, progress is hindered by stagnant food security levels and uneven advancements in economic access to healthy diets.
The report estimates that in 2023, 28.9% of the global population, or approximately 2.33 billion people, were moderately or severely food insecure. The study was conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Launched on Wednesday (24) during the G20 endorsement event for the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report reveals that the world is unlikely to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2) by 2030. This goal seeks to eliminate global hunger and food insecurity. However, progress is hindered by stagnant food security levels and uneven advancements in economic access to healthy diets.
The report also highlights progress toward achieving SDG 2, which aims to eradicate all forms of malnutrition. This progress includes reductions in stunting and wasting among children under five (excessive weight and muscle mass loss due to food insecurity) and improvements in exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants under six months old worldwide. However, there has been no progress in ensuring consistent access to adequate food for all.
Exclusive resources are insufficient
The report also reveals that less than a quarter of public development assistance funding was allocated to food security and nutrition.
From 2017 to 2021, this amounted to $76 billion annually, with only 34% allocated to tackling the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition. These resources were mainly directed toward Africa and middle- and low-income countries. The UN report suggests that "Governments in low-income countries may lack the financial capacity to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition."
Private financing, including philanthropy and international investments in agri-food systems, totaled $95 billion annually from 2017 to 2022. In comparison, blended financing (both public and private) represents modest amounts, while bank loans for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries have declined during this period.
Urgent need for funding to combat hunger
The report underscores the urgent need for increased and enhanced financing for public measures and policies to achieve SDG 2 targets of ending hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. It notes, "Currently, there is no clear picture of food security and nutrition funding -neither what is available nor what additional funding is needed- to achieve these goals. A common definition and comprehensive mapping of financing for food and nutrition security are urgently required, as current efforts lack sufficient attention and clarity."
Finally, the report defines financing for food security and nutrition as both public and private financial resources, domestic and foreign, that should be immediately directed toward eradicating hunger, food insecurity, and all forms of malnutrition. The study concludes, "To ensure the availability, access, use, and stability of nutritious and safe food, as well as to support practices that promote healthy diets, and to enhance health, education, and social assistance, financial resources must be allocated to strengthen the resilience of the agri-food sector."
