Hunger is declining globally but remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest United Nations report on food security and nutrition. In 2025, an estimated 645 million people faced hunger, marking a decrease of 14 million from the previous year and 43 million from 2022. Despite this gradual improvement, the global hunger rate—7.8 percent of the population, still exceeds the 2019 level, which stood at 8.6 percent. This decline follows three consecutive years of reduction, though the pandemic-era surge in hunger has not yet been fully reversed. The report highlights that Africa remains the epicenter of global hunger, with 309 million people experiencing undernourishment in 2025. That figure accounts for nearly half of all hungry individuals worldwide and equates to one in five people on the continent. By contrast, Asia recorded 292 million undernourished people, and Latin America and the Caribbean saw 32 million. The report notes that while Asia and Latin America have made consistent strides in reducing both the number and proportion of people facing hunger, Africa has seen a stagnation in the rise of hunger, despite slight declines in the prevalence rate, from 20.3 percent in 2024 to 20 percent in 2025. However, population growth has kept the absolute number of hungry people in Africa on the rise. The UN warns that the global number of undernourished people is projected to fall by approximately 20 percent by 2030, bringing the total to between 510 million and 520 million. Of these, an estimated 56 percent will reside in Africa, reinforcing the continent’s role as the primary battleground in the fight against hunger. Recent conflicts, such as the 2026 U.S.-Israel war on Iran, pose a threat to progress, particularly in Africa and Asia. These developments could exacerbate existing challenges, including rising fuel and fertilizer costs, which strain food systems and drive up prices. Affordability remains a critical barrier to achieving food security. The number of people unable to afford a healthy diet dropped from 2.97 billion in 2021 to 2.69 billion in 2025, reflecting an increase in average income relative to the cost of a nutritious meal. However, the global price of a healthy diet rose to $4.28 per day in 2025, up from $3.44 in 2021 and $2.94 in 2017. In Africa, nearly two-thirds of the population, about 1.03 billion people, cannot afford a healthy diet, far exceeding the rates in other regions. Asia, with 1.4 billion people unable to afford nutritious food, holds the largest number, while Latin America and the Caribbean see 172 million affected. In Europe and North America, the figure stands at 77.5 million, or 7 percent of the population. The report underscores persistent disparities in access to nutritious food, with Africa and Asia bearing the brunt of affordability issues. Rising fuel costs contribute to higher production expenses and subsequently inflate food prices. Small-scale farmers, who rely heavily on diesel for irrigation, harvesting, and transportation, are disproportionately impacted. Climate change adds further complexity, with floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures disrupting agricultural output and threatening rural livelihoods. Experts emphasize the importance of investing in resilience and adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate shocks. The report also highlights the shifting dynamics of global hunger, noting that Africa has surpassed Asia as the region with the highest number of people facing hunger. This shift is attributed to rapid population growth and slower economic development compared to parts of Asia. African nations currently spend nearly $100 billion annually on food imports, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced local production, improved storage and distribution networks, and stronger regional trade partnerships. Conflicts, energy market volatility, and climate extremes continue to jeopardize progress unless governments prioritize building more resilient food systems.
5 reports
AfricanewsIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 952 days agoA new UN report indicates that Africa has surpassed Asia as the region with the highest number of people suffering from chronic hunger, projecting that nearly 60% of the world's undernourished population could reside in Africa by 2030. The report attributes this trend to factors such as conflicts, rising energy and food costs, climate change impacts like droughts and floods, and slow economic development compared to parts of Asia. IFAD President Alvaro Lario warns that geopolitical tensions, disruptions to shipping and energy supplies, and increased fuel prices are exacerbating food insecurity, particularly for small-scale farmers who depend on affordable resources for irrigation and transportation. He emphasizes the need for investments in resilient agricultural systems, infrastructure, and food security strategies to address these growing challenges.
Bias read (Center): The article presents data from a UN report and quotes from IFAD President Alvaro Lario, providing a balanced overview of the issue without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It discusses global challenges such as conflict, climate change, and economic disparities, which are inherently
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reflects the 645 million figure and the decrease in hunger rates from previous years. It also correctly identifies Africa as the region with the highest number of hungry people. However, it doesn't delve into the reasons behind the high cost of healthy diets or the structural
Why objectivity (95): The article is highly objective, presenting the facts without editorializing or showing preference for any particular region or solution. It focuses on reporting the findings without adding personal interpretation.
Al Jazeera EnglishState / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 952 days agoThe latest United Nations report indicates a gradual decrease in global hunger, with an estimated 645 million people facing hunger in 2025—down from 645 million in 2024 and 688 million in 2022. However, hunger levels remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, with 7.8% of the world's population experiencing hunger in 2025. Africa continues to be the region with the highest number of undernourished individuals, accounting for nearly half of all hungry people globally. While Asia and Latin America have seen steady progress in reducing hunger, the situation in Africa has stagnated due to factors like conflict, economic shocks, and climate change. The report warns that ongoing crises, such as the 2026 US-Israel war on Iran, could hinder future progress. Additionally, while the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet has decreased, the cost of a nutritious diet has risen to $4.28 per day globally.
Bias read (Center): The article presents data from a UN report without overtly favoring any political ideology. It reports on global hunger trends, regional disparities, and potential threats to progress without taking a clear ideological stance. The framing is balanced, focusing on factual data rather than advocacy or
Why factuality (95): The article accurately conveys the 645 million figure and the trend of decreasing hunger rates. It also correctly identifies Africa as having the highest number of hungry people. However, it lacks depth on the cost of healthy diets and the factors contributing to the persistence of hunger.
Why objectivity (95): The article is very balanced in its presentation, providing clear statistics without bias. It avoids taking a stance on the causes of hunger or proposed solutions, focusing solely on the reported findings.
PúblicoIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 902 days agoThe article reports that approximately 645 million people worldwide are affected by hunger, despite a reduction observed in 2025. It highlights the ongoing global challenge of food insecurity, indicating that while progress has been made, the issue remains significant. The headline suggests a contrast between the current state of hunger and the slight improvement noted in recent years. The article does not provide specific data or sources to support the claim of a reduction in 2025, leaving room for further clarification.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement about the scale of global hunger without overtly promoting any particular political agenda. While the topic is politically charged due to its implications for international aid, policy, and governance, the framing appears balanced, focusing on the reality of
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the 645 million figure from the primary source document and mentions the reduction in hunger rates over the years. However, it does not mention the specific focus on the high cost of healthy diets or the regional breakdown of hunger distribution detailed in the report.
Why objectivity (90): The article presents the facts neutrally, using straightforward language. It avoids taking sides or injecting opinion, though it could have mentioned the broader context of why hunger persists despite reductions.
Deutsche Welle (Deutsch)State / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 852 days agoGlobal hunger has decreased slightly according to United Nations estimates, with 7.8% of the world population lacking sufficient food in 2025, down from 8.1% in 2024 and 8.6% in 2022. The World Food Report, released in Rome, highlights that while global numbers are declining, Africa remains a major concern, with between 309 million and 329 million people facing hunger in 2024—more than any other region. While Asia and Latin America have seen improvements, progress in Africa has stalled. The report warns that recent conflicts, including the Middle East conflict of 2026, could undermine efforts to end global hunger by 2030. The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz is affecting fertilizer production, leading to higher food prices. UN officials emphasize the need to focus on children’s nutrition, noting that 150 million children under five were chronically malnourished in 2024.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical data from the United Nations and includes quotes from multiple international organizations such as the FAO, UNICEF, and WHO. It discusses geopolitical factors like the Iran-US conflict and their impact on food security but does not exhibit overtly biased language or傾
Why factuality (90): The article correctly cites the 7.8% global hunger rate in 2025 and highlights Africa as the region with the highest number of hungry people. However, it omits some details about the cost of healthy diets and the role of geopolitical conflicts like the Iran war in exacerbating hunger.
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a generally neutral tone but shows concern for Africa, which may introduce a slight bias. It uses cautious language when discussing the potential future impacts of geopolitical events.
Channel NewsAsia (CNA)State / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 852 days agoA UN report reveals that Africa has surpassed Asia as the continent with the highest number of people facing hunger, according to data from 2025. The report notes that while global hunger rates have slightly declined since 2022, Africa continues to experience increasing levels of undernourishment, with 309 million people affected last year. The shift in hunger hotspots highlights ongoing challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, exacerbated by climate change, conflict, and economic factors. The report emphasizes the need for investment in food sectors, particularly animal-source foods, which are costly for many Africans. It also warns of continued risks from regional conflicts and rising living costs.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a UN report without overt ideological slant. While it highlights concerns about hunger in Africa, it does not take a partisan stance on specific policies or political actors. The framing remains neutral, focusing on statistical trends and expert commentary from
Why factuality (90): The article correctly states that Africa now has the highest number of hungry people and provides the relevant figures. However, it omits some of the deeper analysis on the cost of healthy diets and the structural drivers identified in the primary source document.
Why objectivity (85): The article is mostly neutral but includes quotes from officials that might subtly highlight concerns about Africa's situation. It presents the facts objectively but could have maintained more neutrality in quoting sources.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
