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Global hunger levels declined for the third consecutive year in 2024, but the United Nations has warned that food insecurity is worsening in Africa and the Middle East due to conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability.
Approximately 673 million people- 8.2% of the global population- experienced hunger in 2024, down from 8.5% in 2023, according to the UN’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report.
The decline was driven by improved food access in regions like South America and South Asia, where agricultural productivity and social programs such as school meals played a key role.
However, the report paints a starkly different picture for Africa. Over 307 million people-more than one in five- were chronically undernourished in 2024, a figure higher than two decades ago.
The continent continues to grapple with population growth outpacing food production, compounded by inflation, conflict, and extreme weather events
In the Middle East, the situation is equally dire. A separate UN survey cited by Euronews highlights a dramatic surge in hunger across the region, with countries like Sudan, Yemen, and Palestine facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity. The World Health Organization has described malnutrition in Gaza as “alarming,” following Israel’s blockade earlier this year.
The report also notes that while global hunger has eased slightly, the overall numbers remain above pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, only 7.5% of the world’s population faced hunger.
Despite the progress in some regions, the UN warns that without urgent action, the world risks backsliding further.
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