Global Food Security Improves But Risks Persist Worldwide

Despite global improvement, food insecurity remains deeply concentrated in vulnerable regions.

World News_Adobe Stock.png

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — With food insecurity still affecting millions worldwide, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) projects that conditions will improve significantly over the next decade, according to the latest Global Food Assessment (PDF version) and International Food Security Report.

In 2025, approximately 604 million people across 83 low and middle-income countries are food insecure, a decrease of nearly 27 percent from 2024. This improvement is tied to stronger per capita GDP growth—which is up 3.7 percent—and easing food price inflation.

By 2035, food insecurity is projected to fall to 6.5 percent of the population, or roughly 333 million people. Gains are expected in Asia and the Former Soviet Union, driven by rising incomes and lower commodity prices. However, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most vulnerable region, with nearly 263 million people still projected to lack consistent access to food.

The food gap—the daily shortfall for those already hungry—is also expected to increase, reflecting the concentration of food insecurity in the most vulnerable regions.

USDA economists caution that demand for grains will rise faster than production. Grain demand is expected to grow 2.2 percent annually through 2035, while production lags at 1.6 percent. This mismatch leaves Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa facing the most significant deficits in food and feed supplies.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Despite global improvement, food insecurity remains deeply concentrated in vulnerable regions. Rising incomes and lower prices ease pressures, but production shortfalls highlight long-term risks for grain availability.

(Tags: USDA, ERS, Global Food Assessment, Food Security, Grain Demand, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Commodity Prices)

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Fewer placements and historically low marketings point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, with Nebraska and Kansas gaining ground as Texas feedlots face supply pressure and the threat of New World Screwworm.
Farmers should anticipate continued upward pressure on farm labor costs and monitor policy changes that may further impact hiring decisions.
Cotton farmers should weigh potential PLC payments against STAX coverage and act before the September 30 deadline.
U.S. produce growers face a structural disadvantage—cheaper imports driving down prices while rising labor costs squeeze margins. Without new policies or technology, profitability remains uncertain.
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
Farmers should watch for soybean export rebounds with harvest, while corn and wheat shipments remain strong and sorghum demand struggles.