Feeding the Future: Tackling the Roots of Hunger for Lasting Social Progress

More than eight per cent of the world’s population, or about 673 million people, are not getting enough to eat, according to the United Nations. Even though there is enough food to feed more than eight billion people, hunger persists. The reasons are complex, ranging from conflict and climate change to economic shocks and inequality.

Ahead of World Food Day on 16 October, this year’s call to “leave no one behind” is a reminder that hunger is not only about food supply, but also about justice, resilience, and inclusion.

Conflict, Climate, and Crisis

Armed conflicts continue to destroy crops, block trade routes, and displace millions of people from their livelihoods. In Haiti, Sudan, and Gaza, families face daily struggles to access food in the midst of instability. The World Food Programme (WFP) delivers emergency food and seeds to conflict-affected areas, helping communities grow food for themselves and rebuild self-reliance.

At the same time, climate change is reshaping the geography of hunger. Droughts, floods, and heatwaves, from Somalia to the Sahel, have reduced agricultural productivity and access to water. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and partners are advancing climate-resilient farming techniques that help farmers adapt to changing weather and restore degraded land.

Inequality and Economic Shocks

Inflation and global market disruptions have deepened food insecurity across low-income countries. As prices rise and real wages fall, families are forced to reduce both the quality and quantity of their meals. Through cash-based transfers and nutritional programmes, the UN helps households buy food locally while supporting community markets.

Hunger is also a symptom of inequality. Structural poverty, limited infrastructure, and social exclusion, particularly for women, rural communities, and Indigenous Peoples, continue to restrict access to food. Strengthening social protection systems and investing in inclusive and sustainable food systems are therefore essential to reducing hunger over the long term.

Building a Fairer Food System

Trade disruptions and market volatility can make basic staples unaffordable in food-deficit countries. The UN supports governments in monitoring global prices, coordinating international responses, and designing policies that stabilize markets and protect vulnerable populations.

Ultimately, ending hunger requires more than emergency aid. It requires systemic transformation that connects food security with social protection, decent work, climate action, and inclusive growth.

As the world marks World Food Day, the message is clear: ensuring that everyone has enough to eat is not only a humanitarian priority but also a cornerstone of social progress and human dignity.

Click here for five things you need to know about global food insecurity.

Learn more about the World Food Day here.