Why has Africa become the continent with the most hungry people?

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Africa Now Faces the Highest Number of Hungry People Globally

Africa has become the continent with the largest number of individuals experiencing hunger, affecting 309 million people or 20% of its population last year. This situation is exacerbated by a rise in undernourishment since 2017 and an increasing inability for two-thirds of Africans to afford a healthy diet, a trend that has worsened since 2021 while improving elsewhere. Asia follows with 292 million people facing hunger, representing 6% of its population.
Climate Shocks and Conflicts Exacerbate Food Insecurity

Africa has been significantly impacted by severe climate-related shocks in recent years. These environmental stresses disrupt food production and availability across the continent. Compounding these challenges, ongoing conflicts in regions such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo have severely hindered people's access to essential resources, including land for cultivation and income-generating opportunities.
Rising Costs of Healthy Diets Outpace Affordability

The proportion of Africans unable to afford a healthy diet has seen an increase since 2021, a stark contrast to global trends where affordability has improved in other regions. Currently, two-thirds of the African population, or approximately 66.6%, cannot afford a healthy diet. This indicates a growing disparity between the cost of nutritious food and the economic capacity of a significant portion of the continent's inhabitants.
Specific Conflicts Intensify Acute Food Insecurity

Conflicts have played a direct role in escalating food insecurity. For instance, the war in Sudan was highlighted by the UN in May, warning that 20 million people face acute food insecurity as a direct consequence of the conflict. These situations disrupt livelihoods, displace populations, and impede humanitarian access, leading to critical food shortages for millions.

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Why has Africa become the continent with the most hungry people?

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