World hunger in decline

The number of people who lack adequate food is in decline, says a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization and the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development).

Between now and 2025, the number will decline from 788 million to 650 million, they say.

Food prices are in decline after peaking a couple of years ago.

Slowing population growth and a gradual saturation of consumption in emerging economies should result in a slowdown in the growth for food demand, they say.

The new “Agricultural Outlook 2016-2025” also notes that gains in food production efficiencies will result in lower overall food prices and productivity will grow as a result of yield improvements. 

The report notes that prices for main crops, livestock and fish prices all declined in 2015, opening the door for an end to high prices in all subsectors after record-high meat prices in 2014. 

Robust supply growth combined with weakening demand in the wake of general economic slowdowns to help fuel the price reductions, the report said. 

Global undernourishment is expected to decline by between eight and 11 per cent.

However, people will be eating more sugar and fats.