More than 2.1 billion people worldwide are experiencing various forms of food insecurity. Africa and Asia, in particular, are among the regions facing the most severe food crises due to high population density and the impacts of climate change.
At present, although sufficient food is being produced worldwide, the problem of ensuring that millions of people have adequate access to healthy and nutritious food remains to be addressed. Approximately 645 million people worldwide, or about 7.8 per cent of the global population, continue to face food insecurity and hunger directly, while around 266 million people are experiencing food crises due to conflict, climate change and rising food prices.
Approximately 25.8 per cent of the world’s population, or more than 2.1 billion people, are unable to consume adequate nutritious food on a regular basis and are having to reduce the quality and quantity of the food they eat. Hence, all countries need to supply food as humanitarian aid to the countries in need.
Approximately 292 million people, representing 6.0 per cent of Asia’s population, which is densely populated, continue to suffer from hunger. Despite progress in various regions, the number of people affected remains significant. Africa is the region facing the most severe food crisis in the world, with approximately 309 million people, or 20.0 per cent of the continent’s population, experiencing hunger.
Although ASEAN is one of the world’s major rice-producing regions, some countries in the region continue to face food insecurity and malnutrition due to climate change, disruptions to supply and logistics chains, and economic instability. Therefore, innovative technologies need to be applied in animal feed formulation, and disease-free, standard-compliant livestock farming systems need to be adopted to ensure an adequate supply of safe meat, milk and eggs for consumers.
In Myanmar, aquatic products are a major source of nutrition and protein for the people. Products from Myanmar’s agricultural sector have also secured a place in international markets. Under the leadership of the State Government, efforts are being made to ensure the success of agriculture and livestock breeding. Therefore, concerted efforts must be made to increase exports of agricultural and livestock products to generate higher incomes, ensure food security not only in Myanmar but also in the region and neighbouring countries, and promote national economic growth.
World Food Day 2026, which is observed in many countries across the world with the theme “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow”, aims to harness science, technology, traditional knowledge, and inclusive approaches to transform agri-food systems, end hunger, and protect the planet.