Released on May 15, 2025, the UN’s Global Report on Food Crises revealed a stark increase in acute hunger, affecting over 295 million people across 53 nations in 2024. Marking the sixth consecutive year of rising hunger levels, the report identifies conflict, economic shocks, and climate change as the primary drivers, with regions like Gaza Strip, South Sudan, and Haiti facing severe food shortages.
Scale of Food Insecurity
Alarming Statistics
In 2024, 22.6% of the assessed population faced acute food insecurity, an increase of 13.7 million people from 2023. The number of individuals experiencing famine surged to 1.9 million, more than doubling from the previous year. Conflict affected around 140 million people in 20 countries, making it the leading cause of hunger in regions like Gaza and Sudan.
| Metric | 2024 Figures |
|---|---|
| People Facing Acute Hunger | 295 million |
| Population Affected (%) | 22.6% |
| People in Famine | 1.9 million |
| Conflict-Affected Population | 140 million |
Key Drivers of Hunger
Conflict, Economy, and Climate
Conflict remains the dominant factor, causing catastrophic food shortages in areas like Gaza and Sudan. Economic shocks, including inflation and currency devaluation, impacted 59.4 million people across 15 countries, notably Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, climate change exacerbated hunger in 18 countries, with extreme weather events disrupting food production and supply chains.
Humanitarian Aid Challenges
Declining Funding
The report warned of a bleak outlook for 2025 due to a projected 45% reduction in humanitarian aid funding. Major donor countries have scaled back contributions, disrupting aid operations in critical regions. This funding shortfall threatens to worsen food insecurity, particularly in conflict-affected areas where aid is a lifeline for millions.
Impact on Vulnerable Groups
Women and Children at Risk
Children and women are disproportionately affected by the hunger crisis, especially in conflict zones. They face severe challenges due to food shortages and blockades, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect these vulnerable populations and prevent further deterioration.
Global Economic and Climate Context
Interconnected Challenges
Economic instability, driven by factors like US tariffs and a weakening dollar, has intensified hunger in economically fragile regions. Coupled with climate-related disruptions, these challenges underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to address both food security and environmental sustainability.
Key Highlights
- UN Report released on May 15, 2025 highlighted 295 million people facing acute hunger in 2024.
- 22.6% of assessed population faced food insecurity, with 1.9 million in famine.
- Conflict affected 140 million, with economic shocks impacting 59.4 million.
- Climate change worsened hunger in 18 countries.
- Humanitarian aid funding projected to drop by 45% in 2025.
- Children and women disproportionately impacted, requiring targeted interventions.