The global agrifood system is facing mounting pressure from overlapping crises, with conflict, climate change and economic instability continuing to threaten food security worldwide, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
In its latest update on global agrifood trends, the FAO highlighted that although international food prices have moderated from previous highs, the overall food security situation remains fragile. Millions of people, particularly in low-income and conflict-affected regions, continue to struggle with acute hunger and limited access to nutritious food.
The agency cautioned that progress towards ending hunger by 2030 is slipping further out of reach, as disparities between regions widen. Vulnerable countries, especially those heavily dependent on food imports, are bearing the brunt of supply disruptions and price volatility.
A major concern flagged by the FAO is the ongoing impact of geopolitical tensions on global food systems. Conflicts in key regions have disrupted the supply of essential commodities such as grains, fertilizers and energy, leading to uncertainty in global markets. Countries reliant on imports are particularly exposed to these shocks, as trade flows remain unpredictable.
Climate change has emerged as another critical factor undermining agricultural stability. Increasing instances of droughts, floods and extreme weather events are damaging crops and reducing yields across several parts of the world. The FAO noted that climate-related shocks are now among the leading drivers of food insecurity, especially in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.
At the same time, farmers are grappling with persistently high input costs. Prices of fertilizers, fuel and animal feed remain elevated, squeezing profit margins and limiting the ability of producers to invest in future production. Currency depreciation in many developing economies has further compounded the problem by making imports more expensive, thereby reducing affordability for consumers.
Despite these challenges, global agricultural production has remained relatively stable overall, supported by strong output in some major producing countries. However, the FAO emphasized that this stability masks significant regional disparities. While certain regions are experiencing record harvests, others are witnessing sharp declines due to adverse weather conditions or conflict-related disruptions.
The report also pointed to vulnerabilities in global trade systems. Although international trade continues to function, it has become increasingly fragile. Export restrictions, logistical bottlenecks and concentration of supply in a few key exporting countries have heightened risks for global food security. Heavy reliance on limited sources for staples such as wheat and maize, as well as critical agricultural inputs like fertilizers, remains a structural concern.
In response to these challenges, the FAO has called for a fundamental transformation of agrifood systems. The agency stressed the importance of adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices, improving water and soil management, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Reducing food loss and waste was also identified as a key priority, alongside strengthening local food systems to improve resilience against external shocks.
The FAO underscored the need for stronger global cooperation to address the crisis effectively. It urged governments to maintain open and predictable trade policies, invest in rural infrastructure and expand social protection programmes to support vulnerable populations.
Support for smallholder farmers, who play a crucial role in food production in many developing countries, is particularly critical, the agency noted.
Warning of deeper challenges ahead, the FAO said that without coordinated and sustained action, global agrifood systems could face further disruptions, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition.
The agency concluded that while short-term measures are necessary to stabilize markets, long-term structural reforms will be essential to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable global food system.