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  • Publication | 2025

World Bank - Food Security Update -14/02/2025

Food security continues to be at alarming levels in most low-income countries, particularly in Africa with an estimated 61.6 million food-insecure people in East Africa and that nearly 50 million people projected to face food insecurity in Western and Central Africa. Conflicts and climate change continue to be the main driver of food insecurity.

Global Food and Nutrition Security

• Since the last update, agricultural and export price indices have risen, closing at 3 percent and 6 percent higher, respectively. The cereal price index closed at the same level
• Domestic food price inflation remains high in most low-income countries.
• According to the February 2025 edition of the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) Market Monitor, global prices of AMIS crops (wheat, maize, rice, and soybeans) are currently lower than they were a year ago, with the exception of maize, where international export prices reached a 15-month peak amid supply concerns.
• The 2024 Financing Flows and Food Crises report revealed that, on average, only 3% (USD 6.3 billion) of total development funding is allocated to the food sector—far less than the 33% (USD 10.3 billion) directed toward global humanitarian assistance.
• A recent World Bank blog post presents five alarming statistics that highlight the urgency of the global food and nutrition security situation and the vital role of data innovations in combating global hunger.
• The World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report, released in January 2025, warns of persistent economic stagnation, with global growth projected to hold at 2.7 percent through 2026.