Global food crises in 2008 and 2022, report finds disparities in funding

16 June 2023

According to a report released by Care International, the global food crises in 2022 are twice as severe as the crisis in 2008, which affected 97 million people. The current situation, resulting from COVID-19, increased food and fuel prices, and conflicts, has driven over 209.6 million people into food scarcity and hunger. There is also a difference in the response to the crises: in 2008, there was an urgent response and 72.5% of funding needs were met, compared to only 56% in 2022.

The report highlights that the crisis in 2022 is not receiving the same level of attention and funding as in 2008, despite being worse. It states that the 2008 crisis saw unprecedented funding and systemic advancements that are lacking in the current crisis. In 2022, 828 million people were affected by food insecurity and chronic hunger, doubling in just two years. The report also points out a gender gap, with 128 million more women experiencing hunger than men between 2018 and 2021.

To address nutrition and food security, there is a need to expand humanitarian aid funding. The report emphasises that the two crises are interconnected. While the 2008 crisis had some short-term solutions, long-term sustainable solutions were not given enough consideration. Political will and funding for development assistance, such as support for local markets, agriculture initiatives, and livelihoods, were not sustained, hindering long-term food security gains.

The report calls for increased funding and investment in agriculture and nutrition initiatives, particularly at the local community level, to provide long-term solutions to food insecurity. It highlights the importance of climate resilience, addressing gender inequalities, and mitigating supply chain disruptions through support to local and national food systems. Additionally, it urges faster funding processes and allocations to tackle the growing issue of food insecurity.