2025 SOFI Report: Global Hunger Crisis Deepens: Africa & Asia Worst Hit

Key Findings from the 2025 SOFI Report
Global Hunger Snapshot: In 2024, 720 million people (8.2% of humanity) were chronically hungry. Though slightly better than 2023’s 8.5%, we’re still far above pre-pandemic levels. Disturbingly, hunger has surged by 96 million since 2015—the year the UN launched its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Regional Breakdown:
Asia has the highest absolute numbers (323 million undernourished).
Africa suffers the worst severity: 307 million hungry, with over 20% of its population affected.
Latin America/Caribbean reported 34 million cases.
Note: While Southeast Asia and South America improved, Africa’s crisis is worsening.

Food Insecurity: A staggering 2.3 billion people faced moderate/severe food shortages in 2024. Asia houses nearly half due to population size, but Africa’s intensity is unmatched—highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.

2030 Projections: By 2030, hunger will persist for 512 million people. Africa will shoulder 60% of this burden (17.6% of its population), while Asia/Latin America may reduce rates below 5%.
Root Causes: Conflict, climate shocks, economic instability, and unequal food distribution are crippling progress. Without urgent action, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) will fail.

UN’s Role: Five agencies—FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO—jointly publish SOFI to track SDG 2 and guide policymakers.


Why This Matters for Competitive Exams:
Current Affairs: SOFI data is recurring in UPSC/SSC prelims and mains (e.g., 2023 UPSC asked about SDG hunger targets).
Essay Fuel: Stats on Africa/Asia disparities or SDG failures strengthen arguments on global inequality.
Policy Questions: KAS/PSC often test solutions for food security, climate adaptation, or UN initiatives.
International Orgs: Reports like SOFI highlight roles of FAO, WFP, etc.—frequently asked in SSC.
Ethical Dimensions: Ethics papers (UPSC) use hunger crises to discuss governance and human rights.


Sample Q&A for Exams:
Q1: According to the 2025 SOFI report, how many people were chronically undernourished in 2024?
A: 720 million.
Q2: Which region has the highest prevalence of chronic hunger as per SOFI 2025?
A: Africa, with over 20% of its population affected.
Q3: What key factors does SOFI cite as barriers to achieving Zero Hunger by 2030?
A: Conflict, climate change, economic instability, and unequal food distribution.
Q4: Name the UN agencies responsible for publishing the SOFI report.
A: FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO.
Q5: By 2030, what percentage of Africa’s population is projected to face chronic hunger?
A: 17.6%.