gr.euronews.com
Global Hunger Crisis: UN Report Highlights Alarming Rise in Africa and Middle East
The UN's 2025 SOFI report reveals a surge in global hunger due to trade tensions, conflicts, and climate change, impacting 307 million in Africa and 39 million in the Middle East, highlighting the urgent need for increased funding for smallholder farmers.
- How do ongoing trade tensions and conflicts directly impact food security and exacerbate the vulnerabilities of smallholder farmers?
- Rising food prices stemming from trade tensions, conflicts, and climate shocks disproportionately affect smallholder farmers in developing nations, who produce up to 70% of Africa's food. This exacerbates existing poverty and drives migration, as these farmers lack sufficient income for sustenance and agricultural production.
- What are the key factors driving the alarming rise in global hunger, and what are the immediate consequences in Africa and the Middle East?
- The UN's SOFI report reveals a sharp increase in global hunger, exceeding 20% in Africa (affecting 307 million) and 12.7% in the Middle East (over 39 million) in 2024. Trade tensions, conflicts, and climate change are cited as primary causes, significantly impacting food prices and availability.
- What level of investment is needed in the agricultural sector, specifically targeting smallholder farmers, to address global hunger and its systemic impacts?
- The SOFI report highlights a critical funding gap. While over €4 billion is annually allocated to climate funding, smallholder farmers receive less than 1%, hindering their ability to adapt to climate change and improve food security. Increased investment, potentially exceeding €70 billion, is needed to support their sustainable agricultural practices.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the severity of the hunger crisis and the urgent need for action. While this is understandable given the subject matter, it could be balanced by including more positive examples of initiatives addressing food insecurity. The headline (if there was one) and introduction likely highlight the negative aspects, which could lead to a more pessimistic view than is necessarily warranted. The focus on alarming statistics might overshadow the efforts already underway.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and informative, using terms like "severe", "alarming", and "crisis" to describe the situation, but without resorting to overly emotional or judgmental language. The quotes from Alvaro Lario are presented objectively, without any apparent spin. However, the repeated use of phrases emphasizing the negative aspects might inadvertently create a more alarmist tone than is entirely necessary. Suggesting more balanced language that acknowledges both the challenges and existing efforts to address them could improve neutrality.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the impact of global crises on hunger, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. While it mentions other factors like trade tensions and climate change, it could benefit from a more in-depth exploration of the specific political and economic structures that exacerbate food insecurity in these regions. For example, the role of land ownership patterns, colonial legacies, and international trade agreements could be further investigated. Additionally, the article omits discussion of potential solutions beyond increased aid, such as strengthening local food systems and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The limitations may be due to space constraints, but additional context would improve the article's completeness.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit significant gender bias. The main source quoted, Alvaro Lario, is male, but the text focuses on the issue of hunger, not gender-specific roles or experiences. More information on the gendered impact of food insecurity would strengthen the analysis. For example, women often bear the brunt of food scarcity, and incorporating their perspectives would be valuable.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant rise in global hunger, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, driven by conflict, climate change, and trade tensions. These factors directly impede progress towards SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.