Global hunger falls for third year, risks loom
Global hunger fell for the third straight year in 2025, reaching about 645 million people or 7.8% of the world’s population, with Asia and Latin America driving most gains while Africa still has the largest absolute number at 309 million. The improvement spans every continent, though the declines are uneven and progress remains fragile against long-term goals like ending hunger by 2030. Authorities warn that geopolitical tensions, fuel and input costs, and climate-related shocks—such as El Niño and potential disruptions to shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz—could reverse or slow these gains. Despite declines, more than a quarter of the global population still faces moderate or severe food insecurity, underscoring that access to adequate nutrition remains uneven across regions. Officials stress that sustained progress will require stability, investment in agriculture, and resilient food systems to offset ongoing conflicts and price pressures. Projections still anticipate a gradual further decline in hunger by 2030, but the pace hinges on mitigating climate, trade, and conflict-related risks.
