Global Hunger Index

Latest Values (Reporting Year: 2023)

Definition, Source, and Methodology

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a multidimensional measure that tracks hunger levels by combining indicators of undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality. Scored on a 100-point scale (where 0 = no hunger and 100 = extreme hunger), the GHI reflects the severity of food insecurity and malnutrition within a population. This indicator helps assess progress (or regression) in combating hunger and informs policies targeting food access, nutrition, and health systems.

An analysis of the 2024 GHI was conducted for country groups, using population-weighted averages to account for each nation’s demographic size. This methodology ensures that larger populations disproportionately influence regional scores, providing a representative overview of hunger burdens. Results reveal disparities in food security across regions, with insights into underlying causes (e.g., conflict, climate shocks, or economic instability). Data is sourced from the Global Hunger Index annual report (peer-reviewed and jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe).

Source:

• Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 Report, jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, accessed April 10, 2025, https://www.globalhungerindex.org. 
• Population data sourced from the World Bank, "Population, Total," accessed April 10, 2025, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.

Discussion

The developing world averaged a GHI score of 15.55, indicating moderate hunger levels. Emerging and Developing Asia (14.21) performed slightly better than the global average, while Latin America and the Caribbean (7.99) showed the lowest hunger levels among regions, reflecting stronger food security systems. In contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa (26.19) faced severe hunger challenges, and Middle East and Central Asia (18.3) struggled with elevated food insecurity, partly due to conflict and economic instability. Data for Emerging and Developing Europe and Global Advanced Economies were unavailable, as the GHI tracks countries where hunger remains a critical issue. Lower GHI scores reflect better food security and lower hunger levels, while higher scores indicate severe hunger and food insecurity. Countries are grouped according to the International Monetary Fund country groupings.

Why it matters for the OPEC Fund

The Global Hunger Index reflects undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. The OPEC Fund contributes to improved food and nutrition outcomes through operations across priority areas as outlined in the Review and Update of OPEC Fund Strategic Framework 2030—specifically Human Capital, Institutional Capacity, Private Sector and Trade, and Food Security and Climate Action. This indicator aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality).