Global Hunger: Access, Not Production, Is the Primary Obstacle

• In 2025, 645 million people suffered from hunger, representing 7.8% of the global population.
• The primary global challenge is no longer food production, but the lack of access to affordable and nutritious food.
• Africa has become the global epicenter of hunger, with 309 million affected.

Key Figures and Trends

• While the number of hungry people decreased by 14 million since 2024 and 43 million since 2022, it remains 50 million higher than levels recorded a decade ago.
• Over 2.69 billion people lack regular access to adequate nutrition.

Regional Disparities

• Africa: Now home to the highest number of hungry people (309 million), surpassing Asia (292 million). One in five Africans currently faces hunger.
• Asia and Latin America: These regions have made significant progress, demonstrating that inclusive economic growth and robust social protection systems can effectively reduce hunger.

Drivers and Implications

• Main drivers: Protracted conflicts, extreme climate events, forced displacement, food inflation, and economic fragility.
• Reciprocal relationship: Hunger is both a consequence and a cause of poverty. Reducing hunger fosters economic opportunity, strengthens human capital, and improves institutional stability.
• Combatting hunger is framed by humanitarian organizations as an essential investment in global security, prosperity, and social cohesion.