Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 15, 2025 Humanitarian aid
According to the UN, more than eight percent of the global population—approximately 673 million people—suffer from hunger. Yet, the world has enough food to feed more than 8 billion people.
Conflict, climate change, inequality and other factors play a role in this imbalance.
Ahead of World Food Day, celebrated on October 16, we share five key facts about why people continue to go hungry.
1. Conflicts and political instability
Armed conflicts in hotspots such as Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza are disrupting food production, supply chains, and access to markets. This also leads to the displacement of people, exacerbating acute food shortages.
In Haiti, an estimated 5.7 million people – about half the population, many of whom have fled their homes because of violence – are facing food shortages, and 1.9 million are already in a state of emergency.
© VRR/T. Berkbeck
WFP is distributing food to residents of the gang-hit Cité Soleil district of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
In conflict zones, the UN, primarily through the World Food Programme (WFP), provides emergency food assistance to populations. Affected communities also receive seeds, livestock, and farming tools so they can grow their own food and not rely on aid.
2. Climate change and extreme weather conditions
Increasing climate instability, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves, is seriously disrupting farmers' livelihoods and undermining agricultural productivity. As a result, food is becoming less accessible, especially in the most vulnerable regions.
Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria, and Ethiopia are facing severe food insecurity caused by a combination of conflict, drought, floods, and desertification. Somalia, for example, is experiencing its worst drought in four decades, in addition to years of conflict and mass displacement.
© UNICEF/Z.Sevunet
A boy rolls a container of water in Dollow, near the Somali-Ethiopian border.
The UN is promotingclimate-resilient agricultural practicesto mitigate the impact of environmental shocks and adapt to new weather conditions.
3. Economic shocks and inflation
Global and regional economic downturns, rising food and energy prices, and inflation have reduced purchasing power and availability of nutritious foods, particularly in low-income countries.
Pandemic COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and climate change all contributed to rising food prices between 2020 and 2024.
At the same time, as a result of falling real wages and rising inflation, people, especially in low-income countries, are increasingly unable to afford nutritious food and are eating fewer meals per day.
During periods of economic shock and inflation, the UN expands the distribution of food rations and nutritional supplements, and provides cash transfers to help families buy food locally, supporting both nutrition and the local economy.
4. Structural poverty and inequality
Deeply rooted poverty and social inequality limit people's access to food and resources, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
Low incomes, poor infrastructure and limited local services often mean that vulnerable groups – such as women and indigenous peoples – lack access to adequate food supplies.
According to the UN, nearly 700 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty, with two-thirds of them in sub-Saharan Africa.
© WFP/Arete/D. Onafuwa
A two-year-old girl receives nutritional supplements at a health centre in northern Nigeria.
UN agencies are working to strengthen social protection systems and shift from crisis-focused humanitarian aid to a model in which low-income countries build their own inclusive and resilient systems. This approach enables communities to reduce hunger, develop local capacities, and improve long-term food security.
5. Trading disruptions and market volatility
Export restrictions, tariffs, and volatile commodity prices can destabilize food markets, making food less available and too expensive.
For example, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are struggling with food price volatility and debt crises. These problems are exacerbated by trade policy uncertainty, particularly global tariffs and inflation. Ultimately, this limits people's access to affordable food.
© IFSD/G.Akash
In Bangladesh, farmers are growing crops that are more resilient to climate change.
Brazil and Mexico have seen their economic growth forecasts revised downwards due to trade tensions and inflation. This is straining consumer finances, particularly among the poorest communities, who are losing access to food.
The UN is providing support to affected countries by monitoring global prices, providing policy advice, and coordinating international efforts to help countries cope with interconnected crises in food, energy, and finance. These efforts are aimed at stabilizing markets and protecting vulnerable populations.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.