What's happened
The latest SOFI report shows 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, a drop from 2024 but still above prepandemic levels. Africa now hosts the most hungry people in absolute terms, with 309 million, while Africa and other regions face rising food insecurity driven by conflict, climate extremes and higher costs. Nutrition indicators remain poor, with stunting, obesity and low diet diversity continuing to challenge progress.
What's behind the headline?
Key angles to watch
- Africa is now the world’s hunger hotspot in absolute terms, while Asia and Latin America show gains in share.
- Projections suggest that without policy action, hunger could remain unacceptably high into 2030, with potential spillovers from global crises.
- Nutrition indicators reveal gaps: stunting and anaemia persist; diet diversity remains low for many children.
- The cost of a healthy diet is rising, particularly in Africa and Asia, complicating access.
What this means for readers
- Households will face tougher choices as prices rise and conflict continues to disrupt food supply.
- Governments face pressure to shield vulnerable populations while preserving humanitarian funding.
- Consumers may need to adjust diets and budgeting to cope with higher costs.
How we got here
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) is published by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2025 hunger totals are shaped by conflict in the Middle East, climate extremes and funding shortfalls. Africa has the highest absolute hunger numbers, even as its rate edges down; population growth drives total figures higher. The report also notes rising costs of nutritious diets and lagging nutrition targets.
Our analysis
FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, WHO note that hunger fell from 8.6% in 2022 to 7.8% in 2025, but 645 million people remain undernourished. Africa accounts for nearly half of the world’s hungry. The report warns that war in the Middle East, weather extremes, and funding cuts threaten progress. The Independent highlights vaccination challenges in health, but the two pieces here connect to broader food security themes.
Go deeper
- What immediate steps are governments taking to protect vulnerable populations?
- How might rising food costs change consumer diets in the coming months?
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