United Nations report highlights shifts in global food security and farmland conservation

The United Nations State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 report indicates that approximately 645 million people experienced hunger in 2025, a decrease of nearly 14 million from the previous year. For the first time in ten years, hunger levels in Africa also declined, though significant regional disparities remain, particularly in rural communities where food insecurity disproportionately affects women.

To address these challenges, experts emphasize the need to boost agricultural productivity on existing farmland through sustainable methods to avoid deforestation and environmental degradation. Key priorities include investing in rural infrastructure—such as electricity, roads, and refrigerated transportation—to connect producers to markets, and addressing soil degradation to ensure land remains healthy enough to support increased crop production.

Furthermore, farmland conservation is increasingly being integrated into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. By adopting conservation practices, organizations can manage environmental impacts on soil, water, and biodiversity while establishing measurable objectives, such as reducing fertilizer use and improving soil health. This approach aims to strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems and support the livelihoods of rural producers.