The global hunger crisis is intensifying as a growing number of people face food insecurity while contributions from major donor nations decline. According to the United Nations, nearly 307 million people are expected to require humanitarian aid in 2025, yet current funding levels suggest that only 60% of this need will be met. This leaves at least 117 million individuals without essential support, such as food and basic necessities.
In 2024, the U.N. secured only 46% of its $49.6 billion humanitarian aid target, marking the second consecutive year of falling short. This funding gap has forced organizations to make difficult decisions, such as reducing rations for the hungry and cutting aid eligibility. For instance, the World Food Program (WFP) in Syria scaled back its efforts from assisting six million people to just one million, prioritizing the starving over the hungry, as noted by Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP’s assistant executive director.
Challenges Amid Rising Needs
Widespread conflict, political instability, and climate change are exacerbating hunger crises worldwide, leaving humanitarian agencies stretched thin. U.N. officials, including Tom Fletcher, under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, have warned of continued struggles to meet the rising demand for aid.
Wealthy nations, traditionally the largest contributors, are scaling back. Germany, a top donor, reduced humanitarian aid by $500 million from 2023 to 2024 and is considering further cuts for 2025. In the U.S., President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration raises uncertainty over future aid policies, as his advisers advocate for reductions in foreign aid and a shift in burden-sharing to other nations.
Disparities in Contributions
The U.S., Germany, and the European Commission collectively accounted for 58% of global humanitarian aid from 2020 to 2024. Meanwhile, emerging powers like China and India contributed less than 1%, despite their economic prominence. Critics, including Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council, have called out such disparities, questioning priorities as these nations invest heavily in global spectacles like the Olympics or space exploration.
China defends its focus on domestic food security, citing the need to feed its 1.4 billion population, while India has not responded to queries regarding its limited contributions.
Systemic Inefficiencies and Aid Limitations
Delays and restrictions in aid delivery further complicate relief efforts. Conditions imposed by donors, including earmarking funds and branding requirements, limit the flexibility of humanitarian agencies. In the U.S., nearly all contributions to the WFP come with such restrictions, which, while intended to ensure accountability, can hinder timely responses to crises.
Cases of fraud and inefficiency, such as aid diversions in Ethiopia, have also fueled donor skepticism. The U.N. acknowledges these challenges and is working to address them while advocating for a more sustainable funding model.
Calls for Change
Former U.N. humanitarian relief chief Martin Griffiths has called for a revamped funding approach, including diversifying the donor base and revisiting proposals for mandatory contributions by member states. However, donor nations have resisted such systemic changes, preferring voluntary contributions.
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