In the latest release of the State of Food Insecurity and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report,it has become evident that the world is on a concerning trajectory towards not achieving its goal of eradicating hunger by 2030, as envisioned by the United Nations. The report underscores that several key factors, including urbanization, the climate crisis, and political instability, are driving forces behind the persistent issue of food insecurity.

Produced jointly by prominent international organizations such as the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the UN. Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Food Programme (WFP), the SOFI report is recognized as one of the most comprehensive global assessments of hunger and malnutrition.

The report’s latest findings reveal that while hunger rates remained relatively stable from 2021 to 2022, there are now 122 million more people experiencing hunger compared to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, an alarming 691-783 million individuals continue to suffer from inadequate access to food, and over 3 billion people cannot afford a nutritious diet.

Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD, expressed concern, stating, “This year’s SOFI report confirms that global progress at ending hunger has stalled at unacceptably high levels.” Despite the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals aiming to eliminate hunger within the next seven years, the world appears to be falling short of this objective. Estimates indicate that without significant changes, nearly 600 million people will still face chronic undernourishment by 2030.

President of the 77th Session of the U.N. General Assembly, Csaba Körösi, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are coming close to sink or swim time.”

While some regions, primarily in Asia and Latin America, have made progress in combating hunger, food insecurity has worsened in Western Asia, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa.

Maximo Torero, Chief Economist for the FAO, highlighted the importance of learning from successful policies and programs in regions that have shown progress.

The report also sheds light on the impact of increasing urbanization on food and agriculture systems. With approximately 50 percent of the global population residing in cities today and an anticipated increase to possibly 70 percent by 2050, urbanization is reshaping consumer preferences, leading to a shift away from traditional grains towards dairy, fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits. This transformation has also contributed to the rise in consumption of processed and highly processed foods, which are becoming more affordable and accessible.

Addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from urbanization requires a deep understanding of the interplay between agrifood systems and the rural-urban continuum, according to Torero.

While rural areas continue to face higher rates of hunger, the report underscores the need to better comprehend and address food insecurity in urban communities. Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, emphasized the urgency of interventions, stating, “This year’s SOFI report shows we have no time to lose.