One in eleven people across the globe experienced hunger last year. Out of every three individuals, one found it challenging to afford a nutritious diet.
These alarming figures highlight governments’ struggle to meet food access goals established in 2015.
Interlinked Issues
Hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition no longer stand alone. These issues are increasingly linked to global challenges such as climate change, making it harder to address them in isolation.
Governing bodies and international organizations are now viewing these problems together.
Impacts of Climate Change
The agrifood system is under threat due to climate change. Increased frequency of extreme weather events, shifts in weather patterns, and temperature changes affect food production and supply chains.
Climate change also spreads diseases and pests, impacting both livestock and crops.
Human Rights and Moral Concerns
Máximo Torero Cullen, the chief economist at the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization, stresses that the worsening food crisis is a human rights issue. He calls it an unacceptable situation that society cannot afford to ignore.
The ethical and economic implications are profound.
Rising Numbers Globally
About 733 million people were hungry last year, up by approximately 152 million from 2019. This situation is reminiscent of the global food crisis of 2008-2009, pushing back efforts by over a decade.
In low-income countries, 71.5% of people struggled to afford nutritious food, versus just 6.3% in wealthy nations.
Drivers of Food Insecurity
Climate change is second only to conflict in its contribution to global hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. It causes disruptions in food production, promotes the spread of pests and diseases, and triggers migration due to rising sea levels and severe storms.
These migrations can lead to conflicts, creating a vicious cycle.
Recent Events
Countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe declared states of disaster earlier this year due to drought. Long lines and food quotas became common as people struggled to get basic necessities.
This emphasizes the direct impact of climate changes on daily life.
Funding and Solutions
Despite significant spending by governments, nonprofits, and other organizations to tackle these issues, inconsistent estimates make it difficult to measure the effectiveness of these efforts.
The U.N. report suggests that clearer definitions and transparent use of funds are needed for a more effective response.
Sustainable Development Goals
The world is currently off track to meet the seven global nutrition targets set for 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
These goals include eradicating hunger and malnutrition, and doubling the agricultural productivity of small-scale producers.
Many experts argue that these targets may have been overly ambitious from the start.
Implications for Vulnerable Populations
Nemat Hajeebhoy, UNICEF Nigeria’s chief of nutrition, points out that without targeted efforts, vulnerable groups like women and children will suffer the most.
She warns that the current trend will lead to more sickness and deaths among these populations.
Key Statistics
- 1 in 11: People worldwide going hungry last year.
- 1 in 3: People struggling to afford a healthy diet.
- 733 million: People facing hunger globally.
- 71.5%: Residents in low-income nations struggling to afford nutritious food.
- 152 million: Increase in people facing undernourishment since 2019.
Major Affected Regions
| Region | Hunger Increase |
|---|---|
| Western Asia | Notable rise in food insecurity |
| Caribbean | Higher levels of hunger and malnutrition |
| Africa | One in five people facing hunger |
Main Factors
- Conflict: Major driver of hunger and food insecurity.
- Climate Change: Second most significant impact factor, disrupting food systems.
Quotes
- Máximo Torero Cullen: “An unacceptable situation that we cannot afford.”
- Mercy Lung’aho: “Imagine not knowing when or if you’ll eat, that’s the impact of climate change.”
- Nemat Hajeebhoy: “The consequence of inaction is sickness and death.”
Call to Action
Efforts must be heightened and better coordinated.
A universal definition of food security financing, transparency in fund usage, and clear targets can guide more effective interventions.
Collaborative action from governments, nonprofits, and the private sector is crucial to address the root causes of hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition.
