What percent of people suffer from food insecurity? A Global Overview

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

In 2023, an estimated 28.9% of the global population, which is 2.33 billion people, experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, according to UN data. This alarming statistic provides a direct answer to the question of what percent of people suffer from food insecurity, revealing the scope of a persistent global challenge that impacts millions across different regions and socioeconomic groups.

Quick Summary

Globally, 2.33 billion people faced moderate to severe food insecurity in 2023, driven by conflict, climate change, and economic instability. The crisis disproportionately affects Africa, women, and children.

Key Points

Global Prevalence: In 2023, 28.9% of the world's population (2.33 billion people) faced moderate or severe food insecurity, a rate higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Regional Disparity: Africa has the highest prevalence of food insecurity at 58.0%, but Asia is home to the largest number of food-insecure individuals.
Key Drivers: Conflict, climate change, economic shocks (including high inflation), and chronic inequality are the main drivers of food insecurity.
Vulnerable Populations: Women, children, and people in low-income or rural areas are disproportionately affected, with children facing severe long-term developmental and health consequences.
Addressing the Issue: Solutions require a multi-faceted approach, including stronger social safety nets, investments in sustainable agriculture, and addressing underlying issues like poverty and conflict.

The Current State of Global Food Insecurity

According to data from organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2023, 28.9% of the global population (2.33 billion people) experienced moderate or severe food insecurity. Of this group, 10.7% (864 million people) faced severe food insecurity. These figures represent levels higher than those observed before the COVID-19 pandemic. While global food production is sufficient, challenges related to access and systemic issues contribute to food insecurity.

Leading Causes and Drivers of Food Crises

Food insecurity globally is driven by a number of interconnected factors. Conflict is a major cause of acute food insecurity, leading to population displacement and disruptions in food systems. Climate change, particularly extreme weather events like droughts and floods, impacts agriculture and increases vulnerability. Economic shocks, such as inflation and rising food prices, make food less affordable, a situation worsened by the economic fallout from the pandemic. Furthermore, chronic inequality and unequal access to resources contribute to persistent food insecurity.

Regional Disparities in Food Insecurity

Food insecurity rates vary across regions. A comparison of moderate or severe food insecurity prevalence in 2023 shows Africa with the highest prevalence at 58.0% (847 million people), while Asia has the largest number of affected individuals at 1.18 billion (24.8%). Latin America and the Caribbean had a prevalence of 28.2% (188 million), Oceania 26.8% (3.3 million), and Northern America and Europe 9.8% (98 million). Regional trends show both improvements and increases in food insecurity in different parts of the world.

The Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Food insecurity has severe consequences for vulnerable groups. Globally, women face higher rates of food insecurity compared to men. Children are particularly affected; food insecurity can lead to malnutrition, stunting, and long-term health and developmental issues. Families with children are also more susceptible. In most areas, rural populations are more vulnerable than urban populations.

A Path Forward: Solutions and Interventions

Addressing global food insecurity requires a comprehensive approach targeting root causes. This includes strengthening social safety nets, like food assistance programs, to support vulnerable groups. Investing in sustainable agriculture and promoting climate-resilient farming can improve productivity and resilience. Mitigating climate change is essential to reduce the impact of extreme weather on food production. Promoting peace and stability is crucial given that conflict is a significant driver of food crises. Improving economic opportunity through fair policies and decent wages can enhance food access.

International Cooperation and Action

Organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) provide aid and support long-term resilience efforts. Achieving zero hunger by 2030 requires coordinated global action, investment in food systems, and empowering marginalized communities.

Conclusion

The data indicating that 28.9% of the global population experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023 highlights an ongoing challenge. This crisis, driven by factors like conflict, climate change, and economic issues, disproportionately affects vulnerable groups including women and children. While regional variations exist, achieving global food security necessitates sustained, multi-faceted efforts addressing root causes and promoting equitable access for all. The statistics underscore the need for coordinated global action. For more information on solutions, visit {Link: World Bank Solutions to Food Insecurity https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update}.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2023, 28.9% of the global population, or 2.33 billion people, were moderately or severely food insecure, according to UN data.

Moderate food insecurity involves uncertainty in obtaining food or needing to compromise on the quality or quantity. Severe food insecurity means running out of food and potentially going for a day or more without eating.

Food insecurity rates are significantly higher in developing countries. For example, Africa's prevalence is nearly double the global average, while developed OECD countries averaged 7.5% between 2019 and 2021.

Conflict is a major driver, displacing populations, destroying food production, and hindering access to humanitarian aid. A large percentage of the world's malnourished people live in conflict zones.

Food insecurity can lead to stunting and wasting, cause permanent cognitive damage, impair academic performance, and increase the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Climate change intensifies extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, which disrupt agriculture and food production, leading to greater food instability.

Solutions include strengthening social safety nets like food assistance programs, investing in sustainable agriculture, promoting peace, and improving economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.