According to the 2022 Global Hunger Index, overlapping crises have exposed a number of weaknesses in food systems over the last year and slowed progress against world hunger.
The ongoing impacts of regional conflicts, Covid-19, climate change, supply chain disruptions, and the war in Ukraine have produced volatile food, fertilizer and fuel prices. As a result, the world is experiencing its third global food crisis in less than two decades. South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are the regions with the most serious conditions.
As a result, for the first time since 2009, export restrictions have outpaced import restrictions. Since the war in Ukraine, trade-related policies have also surged as countries aim to increase domestic supply and reduce prices instead of exporting. A total of 19 countries have implemented food export bans, and eight have utilised export-limiting measures.
Around the globe, food price inflation remains high, with countries in Africa, North America, Latin America, South Asia, Europe and Central Asia being the most affected. High inflation rates have been seen in 81.8 percent of all high-income countries and in almost all low to middle-income countries.
La Niña also contributed to inequalities, as it had varying impacts across 2022. Argentina saw pro-longed droughts and low wheat production, while Australia saw abnormally wet conditions and higher wheat yields. Globally, Maize and Wheat prices are up 28 percent and 18 percent, respectively, while rice prices are 11 percent lower.
Around 222 million people across 53 counties and territories will experience acute food insecurity in 2023 and require urgent assistance. Approximately US$50 billion is needed to end acute food insecurity. The World Bank has committed U$12 billion to projects in Jordan, Bolivia, Chad, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Egypt, Tunisia and a number of other countries from Eastern and Southern Africa.
