SOFI 2024: Is the World Winning Against Hunger?
The 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report provides updated insights on the progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which aims to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and all forms of malnutrition by 2030.
In our blog series on the SOFI report, we uncover key findings and highlights related to food security and nutrition around the globe, starting with an in-depth analysis of global hunger.
SOFI 2024: Current Statistics on Global Hunger
The global prevalence of undernourishment, which rose sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, has remained nearly unchanged for three consecutive years. In 2023, one in 11 people worldwide faced hunger, translating to between 713 and 757 million individuals.
Key trends regarding hunger include:
- Africa: Africa has the highest percentage of the population facing hunger, with 20.4% of people affected. This equates to 298.4 million individuals in 2023, making Africa the most affected region globally.
- Asia: While Asia’s percentage of hunger is lower at 8.1%, it remains home to the largest number of hungry people—384.5 million, accounting for more than half of the world’s hungry population.
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Hunger affects 6.2% of the population, translating to 41 million individuals. Notably, this region is showing progress in reducing hunger.
- Oceania: The hunger rate in Oceania stands at 7.3%, affecting 3.3 million individuals.
Despite the progress seen in some regions, hunger levels across the board remain above pre-pandemic levels. The situation in Africa highlights a troubling trend of rising hunger, while Asia’s numbers remain largely unchanged. However, Latin America and the Caribbean are making progress in reducing hunger.
Underlying Causes of Global Hunger Levels
Several factors are influencing the current state of global hunger. Inflationary pressures, particularly the rising cost of food, are undermining economic gains and restricting access to nourishment for many people.
The ongoing challenges of recovering from the global pandemic, compounded by increasing conflicts and extreme weather events, continue to impact efforts toward achieving the goal of Zero Hunger.
