In 2024, approximately 300 million individuals faced severe foodshortage, experiencing acute food insecurity at high levels.
In 2024, the world witnessed a staggering 13.7 million increase in the number of people grappling with high levels of acute food insecurity, reaching a alarming 295.3 million, as per the 9th Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC 2025). The report, published by a consortium of humanitarian and development organizations, suggests that conflicts in Nigeria, Myanmar, and Sudan were the key instigators behind this spike.
This annual report aims to provide an authentic picture of global food crises and assist in reducing hunger and malnutrition across the world. According to the report, an alarming 37.7 million children under the age of 5 suffered from acute malnutrition, with 10 million needing urgent medical attention. Additionally, roughly 10.9 million pregnant and breastfeeding women faced acute malnutrition[1].
Out of the 53 countries analyzed, 26 were in the grip of a food crisis, while four exhibited concerns regarding nutrition. Evidently, the number of people battling acute hunger and malnutrition has not shown a significant decrease as per previous GRFC editions[2].
The report also draws attention to the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, where 100% of the population is exposed to acute food insecurity. In 2025, the ongoing armed conflicts and civil insecurity, along with funding cuts – largely by the US – are expected to hinder recovery efforts, limit data collection, and further fuel food crises[3].
The driving forces leading to high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition are intricately linked. The report underscores that these factors include armed conflicts, economic shocks, extreme weather events, and structural vulnerabilities such as poverty and insufficient investment in safety nets[4].
In 2024, the ten countries with the worst food crises remained the same as the previous year, topped by Nigeria, where 31.8 million people experienced high levels of acute food insecurity[5]. In terms of the proportion of people affected, the Gaza Strip, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, Haiti, Namibia, Central African Republic, Syrian Arab Republic, Afghanistan, and Zambia ranked as the worst affected[6].
This year's report also offers insights into nutrition crises, identifying 26 countries with areas of high levels of acute malnutrition due to lack of access to nutritious food, poor healthcare services, and other factors[7]. Notably, the Sudan, Palestine (Gaza Strip), Mali, and Yemen experienced the most severe nutrition crises.
References:[1] Enrichment Data: Global Network Against Food Crises[2] Enrichment Data: Global Network Against Food Crises[3] Enrichment Data: Global Network Against Food Crises[4] Enrichment Data: Global Network Against Food Crises[5] Enrichment Data: Global Network Against Food Crises[6] Enrichment Data: Global Network Against Food Crises[7] Enrichment Data: Global Network Against Food Crises
- The surge in global food insecurity, as outlined in the 9th Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC 2025), has raised concerns within the realm of health-and-wellness, with 37.7 million children under the age of 5 suffering from acute malnutrition.
- Aside from food insecurity, the GRFC 2025 report also highlights the concerning state of environmental-science, with ongoing armed conflicts and civil insecurity in the Gaza Strip expected to hinder recovery efforts and further fuel the crisis.
- The report suggests that investments in safety nets, such as education and healthcare, are crucial in addressing the underlying factors contributing to food and nutrition crises, including poverty and economic shocks.
- In terms of data, theGRFC 2025 relies on a consortium of humanitarian and development organizations for accurate information, providing general-news and helping shape policies in the field of politics, particularly around food-and-drink and agriculture.
- With the number of people battling acute hunger and malnutrition not showing a significant decrease, the report underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and intervention, aligning with the mission of lifestyle brands advocating for sustainability and a healthy environment.
- As the world faces these challenges, it's crucial to understand that food and nutrition crises are not isolated incidents, but rather interconnected issues that require a multi-faceted approach involving all sectors, including science, to ensure long-term security and well-being for all.
