The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024

1. The latest report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, published in 2024, offers a stark picture of the global food situation, highlighting the urgent need for increased and more effective financing to combat hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition.
2. The report is jointly prepared by the 5 agencies:

• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO),
• the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD),
• the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF),
• the World Food Programme (WFP), and
• the World Health Organization (WHO).

3. The theme of the report focuses on the financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms.

Key Findings:

1. Prevalence of Hunger: An estimated 713 to 757 million people faced hunger in 2023, a slight increase from the previous year.  
2. Food Insecurity: Roughly 2.33 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023. 
3. Severe Food Insecurity: More than 864 million people globally faced severe food insecurity, lacking consistent access to adequate food. 
4. Affordability of Healthy Diets: The cost of a healthy diet remains unaffordable for more than 3 billion people worldwide. 
5. Financing Gap: There's a significant financing gap to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger and malnutrition.

Key Recommendations:

1. Increased Financing: Mobilizing additional resources, particularly in countries with the highest burden of hunger and malnutrition, is essential.  
2. Effective Use of Existing Financing: All countries need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of current financing mechanisms. 
3. Innovative Financing Options: Exploring new financing options, including public-private partnerships and innovative financial instruments, can help bridge the gap.
4. Addressing Underlying Drivers: Tackling the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition, such as conflict, climate change, and economic instability, is crucial.

SOFI 2024 paints a concerning picture of the global food situation, underscoring the urgent need for increased investment and more effective financing mechanisms to ensure food security and nutrition for all. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of hunger and malnutrition and exploring innovative financing options to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.