Global food security report warns 2030 zero hunger goal is unreachable

A joint report by the FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO indicates that the global goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030 is unlikely to be met at the current pace. Projections suggest that between 510 and 520 million people will still suffer from chronic malnutrition by the end of the decade, with more than half residing in Africa.

In 2025, approximately 645 million people, or 7.8 percent of the global population, faced hunger. While there has been a slight reduction in hunger compared to 2022 levels, the progress is considered insufficient to close existing gaps. Africa and Asia remain the most affected regions, with 309 million and 292 million undernourished people, respectively. Additionally, 2.7 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.

The report highlights that rising urbanization is transforming food systems. By 2050, nearly 70 percent of the population is expected to live in cities, creating challenges for accessing affordable and sustainable food. While food insecurity and malnutrition remain higher in rural areas, there is an increasing consumption of highly processed foods in peri-urban and nearby rural zones.

In Venezuela, local reports note declines in production and concerns regarding government import permits for rice, which some claim negatively impact domestic producers.