The Latest Report Visualizing Global Hunger Disparities: South America Decreases, Africa Increases

1. Introduction: The Shadow Behind "Good News"

"World hunger has started to decline." — The headline of the United Nations report SOFI 2025, released on July 28, seems optimistic at first glance. However, as you read further, you notice the deep red warning light covering the African continent. According to the report, while the global hunger population decreased by 15 million to 673 million in 2024, 307 million people in Africa still suffer from chronic hunger, with the population ratio exceeding 20%.

2. The Gap Between the World and Africa in Numbers

• World Average: 8.7% (2022) → 8.5% (2023) → 8.2% (2024)

• Africa Average: 19.7% (2022) → 20.3% (2023) → 20.4% (2024)
  In South America, the hunger rate has dropped to 3.8%, and the strengthening of India's public distribution system has lowered the figures in South Asia. Meanwhile, Africa faces disruptions in food production and logistics due to population growth, climate crisis, and prolonged conflicts in Sudan and the Sahel region. The report warns that "58% of the world's hungry population will be concentrated in Africa by 2030."Al JazeeraReuters

3. Why is Africa Being Left Behind?

1. Conflict and Lack of Governance— The civil war in Sudan and the chain of coups in the Sahel are collapsing rural economies.

2. Climate Change and El Niño— Droughts and floods occur simultaneously, reducing potential production by up to 30%.

3. High Inflation and Currency Depreciation— Since 2023, food inflation rates have been double the consumer price index, making it impossible for vulnerable households to afford a "healthy diet."

4. The "Blank Spot" in Aid: A Chain of Funding Shortages

WFP Executive Director McCain expressed a sense of crisis, stating, "Last year, we delivered food to 124 million people, but this year, due to a 40% budget cut, tens of millions will miss out on aid." In fact, the UN humanitarian appeal for 2024 is $49.6 billion, but the fulfillment rate is only 46%. Germany has cut its humanitarian budget by $500 million, and there are indications that the United States may significantly reduce its budget under the new administration.Reuters

5. Voices from the Field: Social Media Reflects the Reality of Hunger

• @WFP_Media: "307 million people are hungry in Africa. Over 20% of the world. Full report here" <21 reposts>X (formerly Twitter)

• @UN: "Hunger is on the decline, but worsening in Africa and West Asia. #SOFI2025"X (formerly Twitter)

• Florence Kamau, a Civil Activist (Kenya): "They say 'hunger can be a weapon.' That's why we continue to demand political solutions."

• Japanese University Student User: "Five years to 'Zero Hunger.' Donations are good, but I first want to change my actions to reduce food waste."

Hashtags #ZeroHunger #FoodJustice #SOFI2025 saw about 120,000 posts within 48 hours of the report's release, with critical opinions particularly standing out, such as "We can't let this end as the self-satisfaction of developed countries."

6. Expert Recommendations

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu stated, "If technological innovation and capital reach Africa, agricultural production can increase by 25% by 2030." IFAD President Alvaro Lario presented an estimate that the return on investment for small-scale farmers is three times the average in developing countries, calling for the expansion of rural finance. UNICEF Executive Director Russell noted, "The rise in breastfeeding rates to 47.8% is a hopeful sign," while warning that a lack of nutritional diversity is hindering child development.

7. The Responsibility of Japan and Asia

Japan has established a "Food Security and Climate Adaptation Fund" of 70 billion yen in its 2024 supplementary budget. The report cites the progress in South Asia, attributed to the strengthening of India's public distribution system (PDS) and support for irrigation and storage infrastructure by East Asian countries' ODA, as a factor for improvement. It is urgent to horizontally expand successful examples of hunger reduction.

8. Future Scenarios: The 2030 Turning Point

• Paris Agreement 1.5°C Target Achievement + Aid Expansion Scenario: The hunger population will converge to less than 500 million, with Africa's ratio falling below 50%.

• Worsening Climate Change + Aid Reduction Scenario: The hunger population will exceed 600 million, with Africa's ratio over 60%.

The report estimates that to achieve the former, "an additional $40 billion investment per year and a 20% reduction in armed conflicts are necessary."Reuters

9. Conclusion: What We Can Do in the Remaining Five Years

SOFI 2025 has highlighted the reality that while the world is on a recovery path post-pandemic, Africa is becoming an "isolated island." The posts of anger and solidarity overflowing on social media remind us that behind mere numbers are the stories of real people.

• Policy Level: Link debt relief with climate adaptation funds and double agricultural investment in vulnerable countries.

• Corporate Level: Expand risk mapping of supply chains and fair trade premiums.

• Citizen Level: Halve food waste and continue donations to certified NPOs.

With only five years left until 2030, it is crucial to face the "good news" of global average improvement head-on while not losing sight of the reality of Africa, which is stained in deep red.

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