Global hunger has continued to decline for the third consecutive year, yet Africa remains the region most affected by food insecurity, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report released by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The report estimates that approximately 7.8% of the world’s population experienced hunger in 2025, down from 8.6% in 2022. This represents a reduction of around 43 million people over the three-year period and 14 million fewer than in 2024, reflecting gradual progress in global food security.
Despite these improvements, Africa continues to face the greatest food security challenges. Around one in every five people across the continent—equivalent to 20% of the population—experienced hunger in 2025, compared to just 6% in Asia and approximately 5% in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Hungry Population Continues to Rise
While the proportion of undernourished people in Africa has remained relatively stable, rapid population growth has pushed the total number of people experiencing hunger to a record 309 million. For the first time, Africa now has more hungry people than Asia.
David Laborde, Director of the FAO’s Agrifood Economics Division, said the continent’s food production has been constrained by a combination of armed conflict, climate change and declining international development assistance.
The report projects that by 2030, between 510 million and 520 million people worldwide could still be experiencing food insecurity, with Africa expected to account for approximately 56% of the global total.
Climate Change and Conflict Continue to Pressure Food Systems
According to the FAO, increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts and rising temperatures continue to disrupt agricultural production worldwide. In Africa, these climate pressures are compounded by insecurity, forcing many farming communities to abandon productive land and reducing agricultural output.
The report also highlights the growing impact of soil degradation, estimating that nearly 20% of global cropland has been degraded, with sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia among the hardest-hit regions.
Laborde noted that restoring just 10% of degraded agricultural land could generate enough additional food production to feed an estimated 154 million people each year.
Global geopolitical developments have also added new pressure to food systems. Rising energy and fertilizer prices, partly linked to tensions in the Middle East, are expected to slow progress in reducing global hunger.
Some African Countries Make Progress
Despite the continent’s overall challenges, several African countries have recorded notable improvements in food security since 2022.
The FAO identified Togo, Zimbabwe, Guinea-Bissau, Tanzania and Kenya among the countries that have made the greatest progress, supported by stronger agricultural production and economic growth.
In contrast, countries affected by prolonged conflict, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Nigeria, continue to experience worsening food insecurity.
Experts Call for a New Agricultural Approach
Agricultural experts argue that improving Africa’s long-term food security will require more than increased food production.
Timothy Wise, a researcher specialising in agriculture and food systems, said current policies that promote input-intensive farming and monoculture production have failed to deliver lasting food security across much of the continent.
He advocates for greater investment in sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, diversify crop production and reduce dependence on imported fertilizers and pesticides.
Similarly, Ange-David Baïmey of the international organisation GRAIN believes African governments should place greater emphasis on supporting smallholder farmers rather than prioritising large-scale commercial agricultural investments aimed primarily at export markets.
According to Baïmey, improving access to land, water, quality seed and local markets would significantly strengthen food production while improving rural livelihoods across the continent.
Building A More Resilient Future
The latest FAO findings highlight both encouraging global progress and the scale of Africa’s remaining challenges. While worldwide hunger continues to decline, sustained investment in climate-resilient agriculture, stronger rural infrastructure, support for smallholder farmers and peacebuilding efforts will be essential if Africa is to reverse rising food insecurity and build more resilient food systems for the future.