Conflicts and Energy Shocks Threaten Progress Against Global Hunger, UN Agency Head Warns

Conflicts and energy market disruptions threaten to push millions more people into hunger, according to the head of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Alvaro Lario warned that geopolitical tensions and potential disruptions to shipping and energy supplies could leave an additional 9 to 18 million people facing hunger if shocks persist.

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We are in a current era where we have the highest number of conflicts and are still increasing.

Lario highlighted that the world is experiencing the highest number of conflicts, which directly correlate with increased hunger, displacement, and refugees. Conflict is a major obstacle to reducing global hunger, disrupting shipping, energy, and agricultural inputs, thereby increasing costs for already strained food systems. He stressed the cyclical relationship between hunger and conflict, noting that higher energy prices significantly impact fertilizer and agricultural production, particularly for small-scale farmers who rely on diesel for operations.

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Whenever there is a conflict, also hunger, displacement, refugees increase.

The new United Nations report indicates that affordability is a primary food security challenge. While food production is increasing, about a third of the global population cannot afford a healthy diet, a figure rising to 77% in low-income countries. Lario stated the main challenge is no longer just producing enough food but making healthy diets affordable.

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The biggest challenge is no longer simply producing enough food, but making healthy diets affordable.

Climate change further pressures food systems and rural livelihoods. Floods, prolonged droughts, and extreme heat are increasingly common, disrupting agriculture globally. Lario urged governments to prioritize resilience and adaptation before disasters strike, rather than solely relying on emergency responses. IFAD is increasing investments in climate-adaptation programs to help rural communities withstand these environmental shocks, which are becoming the "new normal."

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This is just becoming the new normal.