Global hunger falls for third year, but new threats loom

Global hunger has declined for the third year in a row, offering a hopeful counterpoint to persistent bad news. In 2025, the number of people suffering from chronic hunger fell to 645 million, a decrease of 14 million from the previous year and 43 million from its 2022 peak. Moderate or severe food insecurity also dropped, with 86 million fewer people affected between 2024 and 2025, bringing the total to 2.1 billion. While this number still represents a significant collective failure, the downward trend challenges the notion that escalating conflicts, climate change, and economic instability make the spread of hunger inevitable.

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The fact that should interrupt the flow of bad news from the world is this: there was less hunger in 2025 than before.

The data suggests that coordinated government efforts in social protection, agricultural investment, and economic policy can effectively alter the trajectory of hunger. Asia has seen its hunger rate decrease by approximately a quarter since 2015, and Latin America and the Caribbean also report lower levels than a decade ago. Africa, however, presents a more complex picture. While its hunger rate slightly decreased from 20.3% in 2024 to 20% in 2025, rapid population growth has kept the absolute number of hungry people around 309 million. This fragile progress is particularly concerning given a 26.3% reduction in bilateral development aid to sub-Saharan Africa in 2025, with further decreases expected.

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The decline challenges the fatalistic assumption that the spread of hunger is inevitable due to conflicts, climate change, and economic instability.

Countries that have made the most substantial progress, such as India, Senegal, Rwanda, and Peru, offer valuable lessons. Despite diverse histories, their successful strategies share common elements: social protection to maintain purchasing power, investments to boost agricultural productivity, development of rural infrastructure like roads and markets, and policies connecting smallholder farmers to growing food markets. These mutually reinforcing policies demonstrate that progress is possible, answering a critical question after three years of improvement.

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Progress in Africa is fragile. Rapid population growth has kept the number of hungry people at around 309 million.

However, there is a danger that governments might interpret these three years of improvement as a signal to reduce their efforts. The conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are already driving up costs for energy, fertilizers, and transportation. The strait is a vital chokepoint not only for oil and LNG but also for agricultural inputs like sulfur and fertilizers. Decisions made now could determine whether this disruption escalates into a larger food price crisis within six to twelve months. Climate change, particularly the strengthening El Niño phenomenon, poses another significant threat, increasing the likelihood of damaging heat and rainfall patterns in key agricultural regions.

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It is dangerous for governments to understand three years of improvement as permission to withdraw.