# Global food security and hunger trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-food-security-and-hunger-trends > Updated: 2026-10-18T17:21:00.000Z. Sources: 72. Developments: 8. A United Nations report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 noted that approximately 645 million people experienced hunger in 2025, marking a decrease of nearly 14 million from the prior year. This represents a third consecutive year of decline in global hunger, though levels remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic figures. 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. Africa remains the most affected region with an estimated 309 million undernourished people, followed by Asia with 292 million. To address these challenges, experts emphasize boosting agricultural productivity on existing farmland through sustainable methods to avoid deforestation. Key priorities include investing in rural infrastructure—such as electricity, roads, and refrigerated transportation—and addressing soil degradation. Farmland conservation is also being integrated into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks to manage impacts on biodiversity and soil health. Despite the decline in hunger rates from 8.6% in 2022, the total number of people suffering from hunger remains roughly 61 million higher than 2019 levels. Additionally, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that food prices may face significant upward pressure through 2027. FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero noted that rising energy and transportation costs, disrupted trade routes, and adverse weather conditions like El Niño create risks for food supply. These factors, including grain shipment disruptions in the Black Sea and fertilizer supply issues, could accelerate price increases for staples like rice, bread, and sugar, particularly impacting low-income households in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. ## Claims - The global World Hunger Index value rose to 18.1 points in 2026 from 17.6 in 2018. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The World Hunger Index classifies hunger as 'very serious' in eight countries: Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The hunger index value in Sub-Saharan Africa increased from 26.9 to 27.5 since 2018. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The Food and Agriculture Organization reported a slight global decrease in chronic hunger to 645 million people in 2025. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Approximately 266 million people in 47 countries and territories experienced high acute food insecurity in 2025. (corroborated by 5 sources) - More than 35 million children and girls suffered from acute malnutrition in 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Two human-made famines are occurring simultaneously in Gaza and Sudan in 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources) - There were 65 recorded armed conflicts in 2025, the highest number since World War II. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Funding for humanitarian nutritional aid in crisis areas decreased by 59 percent between 2022 and 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Hunger levels have reached a point of high severity compared to 2018 levels. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Welfare systems must adapt to support individuals throughout longer lifespans. (single source) - The goal should be for 100% of children to have access to nursery schools. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Global food security faces rising hunger and price warnings Global food security is threatened by rising hunger affecting 645 million people and projected price increases for staples through 2027 due to trade disruptions and climate issues. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-food-security-faces-rising-hunger-and-price-warnings ### 2026-10-17: Global hunger declines for third year but remains above pre-pandemic levels Global hunger has decreased for three years but remains above pre-pandemic levels, affecting 645 million people. Meanwhile, massive food waste continues, with households accounting for 60% of consumer-level spo 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-hunger-declines-for-third-year-but-remains-above-pre-pandemic-levels ### 2026-10-16: FAO reports one in three people globally cannot afford healthy diets in 2025 Global food security is declining, with one in three people unable to afford a healthy diet in 2025. Conflict, climate change, and reduced humanitarian aid are driving the crisis, especially in Africa. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fao-reports-one-in-three-people-globally-cannot-afford-healthy-diets-in-2025 ### 2026-10-13: World Hunger Index reveals rising global hunger levels The 2026 World Hunger Index shows a global reversal in progress, with hunger rising to 18.1 points. Conflicts and climate change drive acute food insecurity and malnutrition in 47 countries. 48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-hunger-index-shows-rising-global-hunger-levels ### 2026-09-25: Global food security report warns 2030 zero hunger goal is unreachable A global report by UN agencies warns that the 2030 goal of zero hunger is unattainable at current rates, with hundreds of millions still facing malnutrition and food insecurity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-food-security-report-warns-2030-zero-hunger-goal-is-unreachable ### 2026-09-25: United Nations reports decline in global hunger The United Nations reports a decrease of 14 million people facing global hunger in 2025, though 41 countries, primarily in Africa, still require external food assistance. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-nations-reports-decline-in-global-hunger ### 2026-09-18: FAO warns up to 520 million people could face hunger by 2030 The FAO warns that global hunger could affect up to 520 million people by 2030, driven by Middle East conflicts and rising energy and fertilizer costs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fao-warns-up-to-520-million-people-could-face-hunger-by-2030 ### 2026-09-07: United Nations report highlights shifts in global food security and farmland conservation A UN report shows a decline in global hunger to 645 million people in 2025. Addressing food insecurity requires investing in rural infrastructure, soil health, and sustainable farmland conservation. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-nations-report-highlights-shifts-in-global-food-security-and-farmland-conservation --- Cite as: Global food security and hunger trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-food-security-and-hunger-trends