Food Aid Organization's Alarm: Approximately 9% of Global Population Faces Hunger
Rising Global Hunger Concerns Amidst Budget Cuts
The world is facing a growing crisis of acute hunger, with over 733 million people currently affected by chronic hunger[1]. This number has increased by 152 million people since 2019[2], a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. The situation is particularly dire in conflict-affected regions, where the worsening hunger crisis is exacerbated by economic instability and climate change.
In the face of this global challenge, budget cuts in key areas such as food security and rural development have been announced in Germany and the United States. These cuts can limit the capacity to buffer vulnerable populations from rising food costs and supply disruptions[3].
The World Food Programme (WFP) has highlighted that global funding shortfalls force cuts in food assistance and ration sizes even as humanitarian needs continue to rise[4]. Cuts to budgets may also reduce aid and technical assistance supporting sustainable agricultural practices, innovation, and infrastructure in rural areas, leading to lower food production and resilience.
Moreover, these cuts can limit social safety nets and nutrition programs that protect low-income and rural populations from food insecurity. In the case of the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian situation is one of the worst that Mathias Mogge, General Secretary of Welthungerhilfe, has seen in his over 30-year career[1]. The high cost of food in Gaza is causing difficulties for Welthungerhilfe employees; currently, 25 kilograms of wheat costs over 500 US dollars[1].
Welthungerhilfe, a German-based non-governmental organization, has expressed concern over cuts to aid funds in both the United States and Germany. The organization's work in Gaza includes operating a water desalination plant to produce drinking water, helping local farmers by providing better seeds or transitioning to other agricultural methods, and implementing 649 international projects in 37 countries in 2021, supporting around 18.7 million people[5].
However, the fuel for the water desalination plant operated by Welthungerhilfe in Gaza is running low and often cannot reach the plant due to bombardments and evacuations[1]. The supply of food in Gaza is largely handled by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, with reports of deadly incidents near its distribution centers[1].
Marlehn Thieme, the organization's president, has warned that cuts to financial resources can lead to hunger, displacement, or death for millions of people[1]. She emphasized the urgency of maintaining or increasing investment in these areas to mitigate the worsening global hunger crisis.
In 2021, Welthungerhilfe received 86.5 million euros in donations and 291.9 million euros from governments or other institutions[5]. The organization was last able to distribute food in February[1]. Despite the challenges, Welthungerhilfe remains committed to its mission of ending hunger and poverty.
[1] Welthungerhilfe [2] FAO [3] Welthungerhilfe Press Release [4] World Food Programme [5] Welthungerhilfe Annual Report 2021
The budget cuts in Germany and the United States could potentially hamper the advancement of health-and-wellness, as these cuts might affect the funding of nutrition programs that protect vulnerable populations from food insecurity. Stemming from this, science and innovation in sustainable agricultural practices, aimed at improving food production and resilience, might also face reductions due to budget cuts.
