The United Nations has raised an alarm regarding the escalating hunger crisis in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East as detailed in the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 report (SOFI report). Compiled by five key international organizations, including FAO, IFAD, and WFP, the report identifies the primary drivers of global food inflation as trade tensions, ongoing conflicts, and climate change. Álvaro Lario, president of IFAD, emphasizes the alarming conditions in Africa and the Middle East, where rising food prices are exacerbated by these factors. Since the trade tensions began in 2018, high tariffs on agricultural products have persisted, significantly impacting global agricultural trade dynamics.
Hunger levels reflect a dire reality, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. The report reveals that over 20% of Africa’s population, approximately 307 million people, faced hunger in 2024, while 12.7% of the population in the Middle East, equating to over 39 million individuals, experienced similar hardships. Small farmers are especially impacted, with declining living conditions pushing many into economic migration. Lario notes that the inability to sustain a livelihood compels people to leave their homes, highlighting the direct connection between hunger, agricultural productivity, and migration.
Small-scale farmers, defined as those managing less than two hectares, are vital to global food production—contributing one-third of the world’s food supply and up to 70% in Africa. However, despite their significance, these farmers live below the poverty line and constitute 80% of the world’s poorest population. Aid for agriculture fails to adequately support them, receiving less than 1% of climate finance. Current levels of financial support do not meet the estimated €70 billion needed annually to foster sustainable farming practices. Lario emphasizes the potential for job creation in Africa through agricultural investments, with 10 million young Africans entering the job market each year, highlighting opportunities in production, marketing, and distribution.
Conflict is a critical disruptor of food security, with more than 35 million individuals classified in a state of emergency and nearly 2 million in acute famine (IPC Phase 5) according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The situations in Gaza, South Sudan, Yemen, and Haiti represent the most severe cases. In the Gaza Strip alone, the entire population faces acute food insecurity, with the numbers having nearly doubled in one year. Lario calls attention to the intensifying crisis particularly affecting regions within Africa and the Middle East, where food security continues to deteriorate.
The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of food insecurity. These include fostering resilience against climate change, resolving conflicts, and improving trade relationships to stabilize food supply chains. Additionally, providing targeted support for small-scale farmers could significantly enhance food security, reduce poverty, and curb migration flows. Investing in agriculture represents a crucial pathway to foster self-sufficiency and create employment opportunities, particularly for the growing youth demographic in Africa.
In conclusion, the current landscape of food insecurity highlights the intersection of trade dynamics, global conflicts, and climate challenges. The report serves as a call to action for immediate and strategic interventions to address the multi-faceted crisis. Enhancing support for small-scale farmers, stabilizing food supply chains, and fostering peace in conflict regions are vital steps needed to mitigate hunger and build a sustainable and resilient global food system. As Lario points out, the potential for prosperity through improved agricultural practices is significant, offering both food security and job opportunities for millions.
