Summary
This annual flagship report, produced jointly by FAO and partner UN agencies, provides the most comprehensive global assessment of food security and nutrition. The 2021 edition likely reflects the compounding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate shocks, and conflict on hunger and malnutrition trends, with particular attention to the affordability of healthy diets. It serves as a primary reference for policymakers, researchers, and international organisations monitoring progress towards SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
UK applicability
As a global report, its direct applicability to UK domestic conditions is limited; however, its findings on food affordability, diet quality inequalities, and supply chain resilience are relevant to UK food security policy and international development commitments.
Key measures
Prevalence of undernourishment (PoU); food insecurity experience scale (FIES); stunting, wasting and overweight prevalence in children under five; cost and affordability of healthy diets
Outcomes reported
The report estimates the number of people affected by hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition globally, tracking progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. It analyses trends in food insecurity across regions and examines economic, climate, and conflict-related drivers.
Topic tags
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