What is Hunger?



The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of hunger is a craving or urgent need for food or a specific nutrient. Another definition is a feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by a lack of food, coupled with the desire to eat. These are descriptions that everyone of us can relate to, as we have all experienced this feeling of hunger at one time or another.

In politics, humanitarian aid and the social sciences, hunger is defined as a condition in which a person is unable to eat sufficient food to meet their basic nutritional needs for a sustained period, thus impacting their ability to lead a normal, active and healthy life. Within the field of hunger relief, the term 'hunger' is used in a sense that extends beyond the common desire for food that all humans experience.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) uses the 'Prevalence of Undernourishment' indicator to estimate the extent of hunger in the world. This is the globally recognised and accepted approach for defining and measuring hunger. Thus, 'hunger' may also be referred to as chronic undernourishment.

What is Food Insecurity?



Food insecurity and hunger are interlinked. An individual or family is considered food insecure when they are uncertain about where their next meal will come from. According to the FAO, people who do not have regular access to safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development, and an active and healthy life, are food insecure.

Food insecurity can be experienced at different levels, as outlined below using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES).

Hunger: A Global Problem






World hunger is on the rise

Over

800 million

people (10% of the world) go to bed on an empty stomach

An estimated

100 million

more people became chronically hungry because of the pandemic









Sub-Saharan Africa has the
highest share of hunger in the world

226.7 million

people (1 in 4 Africans) suffer from hunger

~ 50%

of the populace live below the poverty line









Nigeria is the poverty capital of the world

Nigeria ranked

110th out of 127

countries in terms of hunger (2024 Global Hunger Index)

An estimated

> 100 million

Nigerians (1 in 2 people) live below the poverty line (2023 World Bank)