World · Africa · 2 hrs ago
Hunger worsens in 32 countries as aid funding falls
The global hunger index rose for the first time since 2018, and hunger conditions worsened in 32 countries.
Sub-Saharan Africa is especially affected, with seven of the eight countries rated at an alarming level and the three largest recorded acute food crises.
In 2025, 266 million people in 47 countries and territories faced severe acute food insecurity, according to an aid group.
Armed conflict is the main cause, as it displaces people and destroys their livelihoods; droughts, floods and high food prices add to the hardship.
Funding for emergency food aid fell by 59% between 2022 and 2025, forcing aid programs to scale back.
The UN food agency reported a slight decline in chronic hunger to 645 million people in 2025, but this uses a different measure from acute food insecurity.
The Global Hunger Index has risen for the first time since 2018, and hunger has worsened in 32 countries.
The reports say sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected, with seven of the eight countries classified as facing alarming hunger levels located there.
About 266 million people in 47 countries and territories faced high acute food insecurity in 2025, according to Action Against Hunger.
Armed conflict is identified as the main cause of acute food insecurity, with droughts, floods and high food prices adding to the crisis.
Funding for humanitarian food assistance in crisis areas fell by 59 percent between 2022 and 2025, leading to cuts in aid programmes.
- Who
- About 266 million people in 47 countries and territories faced high acute food insecurity in 2025.
- What
- Hunger worsened in 32 countries, while the Global Hunger Index rose for the first time since 2018.
- When
- The reports were published ahead of World Food Day on October 16, 2026.
- Where
- The worsening situation is especially evident in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Why
- Armed conflict is cited as the main cause of acute food insecurity. Droughts, floods, high food prices and reduced aid funding worsen the crisis.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Global Hunger Index’s long-running data series began its recorded decline in hunger.
Funding for humanitarian food assistance in crisis areas fell by 59 percent.
About 266 million people in 47 countries and territories faced high acute food insecurity.
Reports ahead of World Food Day said hunger had worsened in 32 countries and the Global Hunger Index had risen since 2018.
- Countries with worsening hunger
- 32
- People facing high acute food insecurity in 2025
- About 266 million
- Countries and territories assessed for acute food insecurity
- 47
- Funding decrease, 2022–2025
- 59 percent
- People experiencing chronic hunger in 2025, according to FAO
- 645 million
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