Global Hunger and Food Security

Description: Global Food Security banner shows woman working in field; produce; workers and visitors at market; field; man working in field. © AP Image 
"The question is not whether we can end hunger, it's whether we will." — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

More than one billion people — one sixth of the world's population — suffer from chronic hunger. Without enough food, adults struggle to work and children struggle to learn. Global food supplies must increase by an estimated 50 percent to meet expected demand in the next 20 years. Advancing sustainable agricultural-led growth increases the availability of food, keeps food affordable, and raises the incomes of the poor.

Description: Map shows countries resized relative to undernourished population--where the undernourished live. Click to see larger image. Image courtesy of Worldmapper, 2009 View countries relative sizes to the undernourished populations.

Principles for Advancing Global Food Security

  1. Comprehensively address the underlying causes of hunger and under-nutrition
  2. Invest in country-led plans
  3. Strengthen strategic coordination
  4. Leverage the benefits of multilateral institutions
  5. Make sustained and accountable commitments


Global Action

Momentum is building for global action. Developing country leaders have recognized the need to invest in their own food security. At the 2009 L’Aquila G8 Summit, donors collectively committed $20 billion to agricultural development and a new approach to global food security.

U.S. Commitment

The U.S. is committed to working as part of a collaborative global effort centered around country-led processes to improve food security. We are working with stakeholders to advance action that addresses the needs of small scale farmers and agri-businesses, and harnesses the power of women to drive economic growth. We will increase our investment in agriculture development while maintaining our support for humanitarian food assistance. More»


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