Rising food prices are currently putting immense pressure on the global food system. Declining farm incomes are also contributing to this issue. These factors are affecting millions of vulnerable families. Consequently, nearly 720 million people faced hunger last year. In addition, billions more struggled to afford healthy and nutritious diets for their children.
New statistics reveal that 2.3 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2024, highlighting a deep and growing humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, chronic hunger affected 96 million more people than in 2015, showing that global progress on food security has stalled significantly lately.
A Call for Systemic Innovation
Senior UN officials recently called for urgent investment and digital innovation to transform the complex agrifood systems that bring food to tables. These essential systems include everything from farming and fisheries to processing, transport, and markets, linking the social and economic pillars of development.
President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Lok Bahadur Thapa emphasized that agrifood systems are the heart of progress and the thread linking the environmental and social pillars of sustainability. Currently, these food and farming systems underpin livelihoods worldwide, providing employment for more than 39 per cent of the global workforce today.
Economic and Youth-Led Growth
Transforming these systems could potentially generate between $5 trillion and $10 trillion in benefits across health, economic growth, and environmental protection globally. Additionally, engaging the rising youth population will ensure that these vital transformations remain inclusive, sustainable, and ready for future environmental challenges.
Deputy Secretary-General of UN Amina Mohammed noted that this meeting arrived at a pivotal moment because hunger remains at unacceptable levels across the world. While 130 countries have drawn up national pathways for reform, this momentum must now translate into delivery through scaled solutions and finance.
Empowering Women and Future Resilience
The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to highlight their essential role in global food security. Closing gender gaps is not only a matter of justice but also a primary driver for better outcomes for all people and communities.
Questions and Answers
What are the primary drivers of the current global food crisis?
The crisis is driven by rising food prices, declining farm incomes, and a lack of investment in resilient, modern agrifood systems.
How many people were affected by food insecurity in 2024?
An estimated 2.3 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, marking a significant increase in chronic hunger since 2015.
What are the projected economic benefits of transforming agrifood systems? Transformation could generate between $5 trillion and $10 trillion in benefits across health, economic growth, and environmental protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the term “agrifood systems” encompass? I
t includes the entire chain from field to table, including farming, fisheries, food processing, transport, markets, and final consumption.
Why is youth participation critical for food system reform?
With a 7% projected rise in the youth population by 2030, young people are essential for making systems inclusive and future-ready.
What is the significance of the year 2026 for farmers?
The UN has marked 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognize their role in nutrition and resilience.
How many people does the farming sector employ globally?
Farming and food systems provide employment for more than 39% of the global workforce, including 64% of all jobs in Africa.
What role does digital innovation play in this transformation?
Digital innovation and data systems help boost productivity, create decent jobs, and strengthen the food supply against ongoing climate-related shocks.
