Beating hunger through social protection, investments and resilience: FAO Chief Economist – Food and Agriculture Organization

 

Global Hunger Trends and Progress Towards Sustainable Development Goal 2

A 2025 report on The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World indicates a marginal improvement in the global fight against hunger. An estimated 673 million people, or 8.2 percent of the global population, faced hunger in 2024. This figure represents a decrease from 8.5 percent in 2023 and 8.7 percent in 2022. While this downward trend offers cautious optimism, progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2: Zero Hunger) is inconsistent and faces significant regional challenges.

Despite improvements in some regions, widespread food insecurity remains a critical barrier to sustainable development. In 2024, approximately 2.3 billion people (28 percent of the global population) experienced moderate or severe food insecurity. This highlights the immense scale of the challenge in ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all.

Regional Disparities in Achieving Zero Hunger

Success Factors in South America: An Integrated SDG Approach

Progress in reducing hunger has been notably driven by advancements in South America, where a multi-faceted strategy aligning with several SDGs has proven effective.

• Social Protection Systems (SDG 1: No Poverty): Countries like Brazil and Mexico have implemented robust social programs, including cash transfers and school feeding initiatives. These policies directly support the most vulnerable populations, preventing them from falling into deeper poverty and improving food access, thereby advancing both SDG 1 and SDG 2.
• Agricultural Productivity and Economic Growth (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth): Nations such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay have become leading global exporters of cereals through significant investments in agricultural efficiency. This enhances food availability and contributes to economic growth. Concurrently, countries like Chile, Peru, and Ecuador have excelled in high-value commodity production, further strengthening their economies and food systems.

However, other subregions, including Central America and the Caribbean, have not seen similar success, remaining highly vulnerable to climate-related events, which directly threatens progress on SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Deteriorating Conditions in Africa and Western Asia: A Compounding Crisis

In stark contrast, hunger is rising across most subregions of Africa and in Western Asia, creating a significant impediment to achieving the 2030 Agenda. In 2024, Africa was home to 307 million undernourished people. Projections indicate that if current trends persist, Africa will account for 60 percent of the world’s undernourished population by 2030. The key drivers of this deterioration are interconnected and undermine multiple SDGs.

• Conflict and Instability (SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Conflict zones, particularly in Sudan and the Sahel, face acute food crises. The lack of peace and stability directly undermines food systems and access.
• Climate Extremes (SDG 13: Climate Action): The increasing frequency and intensity of climate shocks disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in Africa, weakening already fragile agrifood systems.
• Economic and Demographic Pressures (SDG 8): High population growth, coupled with limited gains in agricultural productivity, means food production is failing to keep pace. Furthermore, economic downturns, currency depreciation, and high food import dependency have led to severe food inflation, eroding purchasing power and hindering progress on SDG 1 (No Poverty).

In Middle Africa, the Prevalence of Undernourishment reached 30.2 percent in 2024, the highest in the world, demonstrating a severe regression from SDG 2 targets.

Strategic Framework for Accelerating SDG Progress

Building Resilience to Shocks

A strategic shift towards building resilience is essential for reversing negative trends and accelerating SDG attainment. This involves a two-pronged approach:

1. Preparedness: Establishing early warning systems and insurance mechanisms is crucial for anticipating and mitigating the impacts of climate and economic shocks, directly supporting SDG 13.
2. Response Capacity: Strengthening social protection systems, as seen in Latin America, enhances the ability of populations to cope with crises. Furthermore, integrating technology and innovation to create climate-resilient agricultural production is vital for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Diversifying trade portfolios to balance imports with local production enhances national food security and aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Addressing Food Price Inflation and its Impact on Health and Well-being

Global food price spikes have a severe impact on vulnerable populations, directly affecting their ability to achieve SDG 2 and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). A 10 percent increase in food prices is estimated to cause a 3.5 percent rise in food insecurity and up to a 4.3 percent increase in child wasting. Addressing the structural issues in food markets to ensure that reductions in global commodity prices are passed on to consumers is a critical policy objective.

Key Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation

To transform agrifood systems and achieve the 2030 Agenda, a comprehensive and coordinated approach is required. The following lessons provide a roadmap for action:

1. Targeted Fiscal Support: Implement time-bound cash transfers and food subsidies directed at the most vulnerable to advance SDG 1 and SDG 2.
2. Open and Functional Markets: Avoid trade restrictions to ensure stable supplies and prices, a key component of SDG 17.
3. Coordinated Macroeconomic Policies: Integrate monetary and fiscal policies to build economic resilience and maintain investor confidence, supporting SDG 8.
4. Transparent Market Information: Strengthen agricultural market information systems to reduce speculation and panic, contributing to the stability envisioned in SDG 16.
5. Robust Institutional Frameworks: Develop strong institutions and policies that enable swift and effective government responses, a cornerstone of SDG 16.
6. Market Restructuring and Support Repurposing: Increase competition among suppliers and repurpose agricultural support towards nutritious foods and sustainable practices, aligning with SDG 2 and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
7. Mobilizing Investment: Attract a blend of public, private, and international finance, with a particular focus on mobilizing climate finance for agrifood systems to meet the ambitions of SDG 13 and SDG 17.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• The entire article is centered on the “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report 2025,” directly addressing the core mission of SDG 2 to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. It discusses global hunger statistics, food insecurity, undernourishment, and the factors affecting them.

SDG 1: No Poverty

• The article connects hunger and poverty by highlighting how social protection programs like cash transfers in Brazil and Mexico have been “highly effective in preventing vulnerable individuals from falling deeper into poverty.” It also notes that the poorest populations are most affected by food price inflation because they “spend a larger portion of their income on food.”

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The article repeatedly identifies climate change as a major driver of food insecurity, especially in Africa. It mentions that regions are “highly vulnerable to climate-related events” and anticipates “an increase in the frequency and intensity of climate-related events.” It calls for building resilience to climate shocks through “early warning systems, insurance tools, and climate-smart technologies.”

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article links conflict directly to hunger, stating that “conflict, climate extremes, and economic downturns” are key drivers of the deteriorating situation in Africa. It specifically mentions “Conflict zones such as Sudan and the Sahel” and calls for integrating “humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding policies in areas affected by conflict.” It also emphasizes the need for “Robust institutions and policy frameworks” to enable effective government response.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article discusses the need for global cooperation in finance, trade, and policy. It mentions the “Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty,” the need to address debt burdens in developing countries, avoiding trade restrictions, and mobilizing public, private, and blended finance to support agrifood systems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

1. Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • The article is built around this target, providing specific data on the “estimated 8.2 percent of the global population, or about 673 million people, [who] experienced hunger in 2024” and the “2.3 billion people – 28 percent of the global population – [who] faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2024.”
2. Target 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition…
   • The article directly references a key form of malnutrition, stating that “a 10 percent increase in food prices leads to a 2.7 to 4.3 percent increase in child wasting.”
3. Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers…
   • The article discusses the importance of agricultural productivity, noting that in South America, nations “have made substantial investments in increasing agricultural production and efficiency,” while in Africa, “agricultural productivity gains are limited.”
4. Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices…
   • The article calls for investing in “sustainable agricultural productivity” and scaling up “climate resilience, with early warning systems, insurance tools, and climate-smart technologies” to build resilience against shocks.
5. Target 2.c: Adopt measures to ensure the proper functioning of food commodity markets… to help limit extreme food price volatility.
   • The article discusses the impact of “global price volatility,” food inflation, and the need for “strong agricultural market information systems” and addressing market structures to ensure the transmission of lower commodity prices to consumers.

SDG 1: No Poverty

1. Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all…
   • The article highlights the success of “impactful social programs, including cash transfers, conditional cash transfers, and school feeding initiatives” in South America and emphasizes that “robust social protection systems can significantly bolster resilience.”

SDG 13: Climate Action

1. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • The article explicitly states the need to “build resilience to climate shocks” and that “preparedness is key. Establishing early warning systems and insurance mechanisms will allow countries to anticipate and respond effectively to shocks.”

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • The article identifies conflict as a primary driver of hunger, especially in “Sudan and the Sahel,” and suggests implementing “policies aimed at accelerating income growth” to “reduce the likelihood of conflict arising.”
2. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • The article concludes that “Robust institutions and policy frameworks enable governments to respond swiftly and effectively,” which is a direct reference to the need for strong institutional capacity.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

1. Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
   • The article stresses that government funding is not enough and that “attracting private finance is essential” and calls to “Mobilizing climate finance for agrifood systems.”
2. Target 17.4: Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt sustainability…
   • The article points out the need for “working intensively on debt reduction” and addressing “debt burdens” as crucial steps for improving macroeconomic conditions in Africa.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Indicator 2.1.1 (Prevalence of undernourishment): The article explicitly provides data for this indicator. It states, “an estimated 8.2 percent of the global population… experienced hunger in 2024,” and notes the prevalence in Africa reached “20.2 percent of the continent’s population.”
• Indicator 2.1.2 (Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population, based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale): This indicator is directly mentioned with data: “About 2.3 billion people – 28 percent of the global population – faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2024.”
• Indicator 2.2.2 (Prevalence of malnutrition (wasting and overweight) among children under 5 years of age): The article mentions “child wasting” as a direct consequence of food price increases, implying this is a key metric for monitoring the impact of economic shocks on nutrition.

SDG 1: No Poverty

• Indicator 1.3.1 (Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems): The article implies this indicator by praising countries like Brazil and Mexico for implementing “cash transfers, conditional cash transfers, and school feeding initiatives,” which are forms of social protection systems. Progress would be measured by the coverage of such programs.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Indicator 13.1.2 (Number of countries and local governments that have adopted and implemented national and local disaster risk reduction strategies): The article implies this indicator by repeatedly calling for the establishment of “early warning systems and insurance mechanisms” as part of building climate resilience. The adoption of these systems would be a measure of progress.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Indicator 16.1.2 (Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population): This indicator is implied when the article discusses “conflict zones such as Sudan and the Sahel” facing “acute challenges.” A reduction in conflict-related deaths would be a measure of success for the proposed peacebuilding policies.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Indicator 17.4.1 (Debt service as a proportion of exports of goods and services): This is implied when the article discusses the need to address “debt burdens” and “work intensively on debt reduction” for African countries, as high debt service payments limit resources for food imports and other essential services.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 2: Zero Hunger	2.1: End hunger and ensure access to food. 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition. 2.c: Ensure proper functioning of food commodity markets.	2.1.1: Prevalence of undernourishment (e.g., 8.2% globally, 20.2% in Africa). 2.1.2: Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity (e.g., 28% globally). 2.2.2: Prevalence of malnutrition (specifically “child wasting”). (Implied) Food price inflation and volatility.
SDG 1: No Poverty	1.3: Implement social protection systems.	1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection systems (e.g., cash transfers, school feeding).
SDG 13: Climate Action	13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.	13.1.2: Adoption of disaster risk reduction strategies (e.g., early warning systems, insurance tools).
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.1: Reduce all forms of violence. 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.	16.1.2: Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population (implied by reference to conflict zones). (Implied) Existence of robust institutions and policy frameworks.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources. 17.4: Assist developing countries in attaining debt sustainability.	(Implied) Volume of private and blended finance mobilized for agrifood systems. 17.4.1: Debt service as a proportion of exports (implied by discussion of “debt burdens”).

Source: fao.org