Africa hunger crisis 2024 worsens, with 307 million affected. UN warns continent could face 60% of world’s hunger burden by 2030 if current trends persist

Africa hunger crisis 2024 continues to escalate, with the continent now home to nearly half of the world’s chronically hungry people, according to a new UN report.

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Of the 673 million people affected by hunger globally this year, 307 million were in Africa, accounting for 46% of the total — or more than one in five Africans.

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, released by five UN agencies during the ongoing Food Systems Summit in Ethiopia, warns that if current trends persist, Africa could bear nearly 60% of the world’s hunger burden by 2030.

Despite a third consecutive year of global improvement, Africa’s food insecurity is worsening, driven by conflict, climate shocks, inflation, and stagnant agricultural productivity.

“If conflict continues to grow… and debt stress increases, the numbers will rise again,” said Maximo Torero, chief economist at the FAO.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a video message, called hunger a driver and result of instability, citing crises from Gaza to Sudan.

In contrast, South America and Southern Asia showed progress, with hunger rates falling due to agriculture reforms and social programs.

While the global hunger rate dipped to 8.2%, it remains above pre-pandemic levels. The report also highlights a troubling trend: adult obesity surged to nearly 16% in 2022, showing the double burden of malnutrition.

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This year’s findings paint a sobering but urgent picture: Without structural change, Africa’s hunger crisis may outpace efforts to contain it.