Despite its vast natural resources and agricultural potential, Africa struggles with a high hunger rate driven by a complex interplay of factors including conflict, climate change, poverty, and weak governance.
According to data from the Global Hunger Index for 2024, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa dominate the index as more than one-fifth of the population is undernourished.
Hunger has profound impacts on individuals, families, and societies as it weakens economic productivity, as undernourished people struggle to work efficiently, thereby reinforcing cycles of poverty.
Children are also adversely affected as malnutrition impairs their physical growth and cognitive development, hindering their future potential.
The Global Hunger Index is based on three dimensions: Inadequate food supply (undernourishment), child undernutrition (child wasting, child stunting), and child mortality (under-five mortality rate).
Hunger and Malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa is grappling with a severe food crisis, despite South Asia having the highest number of undernourished individuals.
A report by the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) projected that from June to August 2024, approximately 55 million people in West and Central Africa will face food shortages.
This represents a significant increase of four million people compared to the previous forecast in November 2023, and a fourfold rise over the past five years.
The situation is further compounded by alarming rates of malnutrition, with the World Food Program reporting that 16.7 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition in West and Central Africa.
Furthermore, over two-thirds of households in the region cannot afford nutritious diets, and a staggering 80% of children aged 6-23 months do not receive the minimum required nutrients for healthy growth and development.
According to the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) data from Statista, several African countries remain severely affected by hunger and malnutrition.
The following countries are identified as the most vulnerable:
| Rank | Country | Hunger Index |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Somalia |
44.1 |
|
2 |
Chad |
36.4 |
|
3 |
Madagascar |
36.3 |
|
4 |
DR Congo |
34.9 |
|
5 |
Niger |
34.1 |
|
6 |
Liberia |
31.9 |
|
7 |
CAR |
31.5 |
|
8 |
Sierra Leone |
31.2 |
|
9 |
Zambia |
30.7 |
|
10 |
Guinea-Bissau |
30.5 |
From the data assessed for 136 countries globally, Somalia was the most affected by hunger and malnutrition, with an index of 44.1. Yemen came in second position with an index of 41.2.
Other African countries like Chad and Madagascar followed behind in third and fourth positions globally
The index ranges from the best value of 0 (no hunger) and the worst value of 100, with neither of these extreme values ever being reached.
Less than 9.9 means: little hunger
From 10 to 19.9: moderate hunger
Between 20 and 34.9: serious hunger situation
From 35 to 49.9: alarming hunger situation
Above 50: extremely alarming hunger situation.
