The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals pledged to eradicate hunger by 2030. However, five years after the pandemic and amidst armed conflicts and climate crises, the current situation is alarming: access to sufficient food remains out of reach for billions.
FAO Report Highlights the Alarming State of Global Food Security
The latest FAO report, published on July 28, reveals that 2.3 billion people worldwide suffer from moderate or severe food insecurity, meaning they lack guaranteed access to a nutritious diet. This figure represents 28% of the global population, three percentage points more than before the pandemic, indicating minimal progress and making the “Hunger Zero” goal seem more distant.
Key Statistics from the FAO Report
- 670 million people experienced hunger in 2024, only 20 million fewer than in 2022.
- Food insecurity is not just about quantity but also nutrient quality.
Global Impact and Responsibility
The consequences are clear: 670 million people faced hunger in 2024, with only a minor decrease from the previous year. Moreover, food insecurity is not merely about quantity but also nutrient quality.
This report not only calls attention to governments and international organizations but also emphasizes the role of the food industry—from producers to restaurants—in reducing waste, ensuring fair trade, and protecting biodiversity.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue highlighted by the FAO report? The report emphasizes that 2.3 billion people worldwide face moderate or severe food insecurity, representing a 28% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
- How has hunger changed since the pandemic? Although there was a slight decrease of 20 million people experiencing hunger from 2022 to 2024, the overall situation remains dire with 670 million people still facing food insecurity.
- What does the report indicate about food quality? The report highlights that food insecurity is not only a matter of quantity but also nutrient quality.
- Who is responsible for addressing this issue? The FAO report calls on governments, international organizations, and the food industry—including producers and restaurants—to collaborate in reducing waste, ensuring fair trade, and protecting biodiversity.
