A United Nations report has shown that global hunger declined for a third consecutive year in 2025, with improvements recorded across every continent, although mounting risks from climate shocks and trade disruption could threaten further progress.
The ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ report, jointly prepared by five UN agencies, was released on Tuesday.
The report estimates that 7.8 percent of the global population faced hunger in 2025, down from 8.1 percent in 2024 and 8.6 percent in 2022.
This means that around 645 million people were affected by hunger in 2025, representing a reduction of nearly 14 million compared to 2024 and 43 million compared to 2022.
In contrast, however, Africa is now home to approximately 309 million hungry people, compared with 292 million in Asia.
Although Africa’s previously rising trend is beginning to stabilize, with the share of its population facing hunger decreasing from 20.3 percent in 2024 to 20.0 percent in 2025, the continent now has the highest number of hungry people in absolute terms amid a rapidly growing population, according to the report.
Carl Skau, World Food Programme (WFP) acting executive director, pointed to climate shocks as a contributing factor to the hunger levels.
“Behind every number in this report is a family counting the cost of food. Conflict and climate shocks push them further beyond their means,” Skau said.
“We must continue working with partner agencies, governments and communities to build food systems that hold up under shock, so families can afford nutritious diets, even in times of crisis. We now need sustained investment to match the scale of the challenge.”
The report called for targeted interventions that boost productivity, reduce losses and promote sustainable practices, noting that they can simultaneously improve nutrition outcomes, strengthen resilience and support climate goals.
