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:

Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
Prompt removal of Christmas trees and careful handling of decorations reduce winter fire risk during an already high-demand season for emergency services.
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
Rail strength is helping stabilize grain movement, but river and export slowdowns continue to limit overall logistics momentum.