What shift in global hunger centres has occurred in recent years?

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Africa Now Faces the Largest Number of People Experiencing Hunger Globally

Africa has emerged as the continent with the highest number of individuals facing hunger, a significant demographic shift from previous decades. This change is detailed in the UN's annual report on food security and nutrition, which highlights a concentration of undernourishment on the African continent. Last year, an estimated 309 million people in Africa experienced hunger, representing 20 per cent of its population.
The Centre of Gravity for Hunger Has Moved to Africa

The UN report explicitly states that "the centre of gravity of hunger has shifted from Asia to Africa." This observation is supported by the figures presented, which show Africa with 309 million affected individuals, surpassing Asia's 292 million. This contrasts with the situation 25 years ago, when countries like China and India faced considerable hunger challenges but have since made substantial efforts to address them.
Global Hunger Numbers Show a Decrease, Yet Remain Elevated

Globally, the proportion of the world's population facing hunger has seen a reduction. The UN agencies estimate a decrease from 8.6 per cent in 2022 to 7.8 per cent in 2025, which translates to a drop of 43 million people, bringing the total to 645 million. Despite this decline, the current numbers remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, indicating persistent global food insecurity.
Africa Experiences Rising Undernourishment and Affordability Issues

The prevalence of undernourishment in Africa has been on an upward trend since 2017, though recent estimates suggest potential signs of a turnaround in 2025. Compounding this issue, the percentage of Africans unable to afford a healthy diet has increased since 2021. Currently, two-thirds of the African population, or 66.6 per cent, cannot afford a healthy diet, a rate significantly higher than in Asia.
Climate Shocks and Conflicts Exacerbate Hunger in Africa

The report identifies severe climate-related shocks and ongoing conflicts as major contributing factors to the aggravated hunger situation in Africa. Conflicts, such as those in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have severely impacted people's access to land and income, further straining food security. These external pressures have intensified the challenges faced by vulnerable populations on the continent.

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