Global hunger index 2022: food systems transformation and local governance

As the 2022 report shows the global hunger situation is undeniably grim. The overlapping crises facing the world are exposing the weaknesses of food systems, from global to local, and highlighting the vulnerability of populations around the world to hunger. Global progress against hunger has largely stagnated in recent years. The 2022 GHI score for the world is considered moderate, but at 18.2, it shows only a slight decline from the 2014 score of 19.1. Indeed, one indicator used in the GHI, the prevalence of undernourishment, shows that the share of people who lack regular access to sufficient calories is increasing. As many as 828 million people were under nourished in 2021, representing a reversal of more than a decade of progress against hunger. Without a major shift, neither the world as a world nor approximately 46 countries are projected to achieve even low hunger as measured by the GHI by 2030. In the face of spiralling crises, it is crucial to scale up resources to respond to current emergencies while also transforming food systems so they are more equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient and thus are able to help avert future crises. Governments and other actors at all levels must put inclusive governance and accountability at the centre of efforts to transform food systems, while respecting, protecting, and fulfilling the right to food. Stakeholders at all governance levels should harness local voices and capacities and promote strong local leadership, and governments and development partners need to raise citizens’ awareness of their entitlements. Finally, efforts to strengthen governance must be tailored to conditions and capacities on the ground.