The latest United Nations report on food security reveals a mixed picture of progress and persistent challenges. While global hunger has declined for the third consecutive year, millions of people still struggle to access adequate and nutritious food.
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, published in 2026, estimates that 645 million people faced hunger in 2026. This marks a decrease of 14 million people from 2026 and 43 million from 2026. However, the current levels remain higher than the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era.
Africa Remains the Epicenter of Global Hunger
The report highlights that Africa is the most affected region, with 309 million people undernourished in 2026. This represents nearly half of the world’s hungry population. Despite a slight decrease in the prevalence of hunger from 20.3% in 2026 to 20% in 2026, the total number of hungry people continues to rise due to population growth.
In contrast, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean have made steady progress in reducing hunger. Asia had 292 million undernourished people in 2026, while Latin America and the Caribbean had 32 million. The report projects a 20% reduction in the global number of undernourished people by 2030, but an estimated 510 to 520 million people will still face hunger by the end of the decade.
The Rising Cost of a Healthy Diet
The report also examines the affordability of a healthy diet defined as the lowest-cost combination of locally available foods that meet daily energy and nutrient needs. In 2026, the global cost of a healthy diet reached $4.28 per day, up from $3.44 in 2026 and $2.94 in 2017.
Despite the increase in costs, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet fell from 2.97 billion in 2026 to 2.69 billion in 2026. However, regional disparities persist. In Africa 66.6% of the population could not afford a healthy diet in 2026, compared to 29% in Asia and 26% in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Catastrophic Hunger and the Impact of Conflicts
The report warns that recent crises, including the 2026 US-Israel war on Iran, could undermine progress in reducing hunger, particularly in Africa and Asia. A separate report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme estimated that about 1.4 million people worldwide are facing catastrophic hunger, the most severe phase of food insecurity.
Catastrophic hunger occurs when households have exhausted all means to survive and face an extreme lack of food and basic needs. At this stage, starvation, acute malnutrition, destitution, and death become widespread, requiring immediate action to prevent further loss of life. Gaza has the largest number of people facing catastrophic hunger, with about 640,700 people, representing 32% of its population.
The report calls for context-specific investments in infrastructure, research and development, irrigation, and cold chains, alongside reforms in subsidies, trade facilitation, and regulatory systems. The authors emphasize that lowering food prices alone will not be enough, as post-farmgate activities account for 70 to 75% of what consumers pay at the register.
