Africa is in the midst of a severe hunger and poverty crisis, with nearly 300 million people undernourished and increasing numbers facing food insecurity, according to a 2023 FAO report. Conflict, climate change, economic shocks, and the lingering effects of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine are the primary drivers of this crisis. Urgent action is needed to break the cycle of hunger through community-driven, climate-smart solutions, as progress towards achieving food security goals by 2030 remains largely stagnant.

 

Key Statistics

• High Malnourishment Rates:
• In 2023, about 20% of the African population was undernourished, a figure that has been rising since 2010. 
• Growing Crisis:
• If current trends continue, the number of chronically undernourished people is projected to exceed 580 million by 2030, with more than half living in Africa. 
• Severe Food Insecurity:
• In 2024, millions were facing acute food insecurity, with some areas in northern Sudan experiencing catastrophic levels. 
• Child Malnutrition:
• Over a quarter of children under the age of five in Africa are stunted (too short for their age), and nearly 6% are wasted (too thin for their height). 

Causes of the Crisis

• Conflict and Instability:
• Ongoing conflicts are a major driver of hunger, forcing displacement and disrupting food systems. 
• Climate Change:
• Extreme weather events like droughts and floods exacerbate food insecurity and hinder agricultural efforts. 
• Economic Shocks:
• Global economic downturns and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have deepened poverty and reduced access to food. 
• Historical Factors:
• The lingering impacts of colonial occupation are also cited as a contributing factor to the widespread hunger. 

Impact of the Crisis

• Health Deterioration:
• Malnutrition is linked to increased child mortality, respiratory infections, diarrhea, and other serious health problems. 
• Vulnerable Populations:
• Women and youth bear a disproportionate burden of these crises. 
• Stagnating Progress:
• The continent is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals for food security by 2030. 

Solutions and Efforts

• Community-Driven Solutions:
• Organizations like the IFRC are promoting local, climate-smart approaches to combat hunger at the community level. 
• Emergency Food Aid:
• Organizations provide direct cash transfers and food packages to address immediate hunger needs in vulnerable households. 
• Education:
• Investing in education is seen as a powerful tool to equip people with skills for better livelihoods and to break the cycle of poverty. 
• International Support:
• Partners, donors, and community leaders are working to scale up solutions to ensure a path toward zero hunger in Africa.