Global Scans · Zero Hunger · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

• [New] Iran's attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have put a stranglehold on exports of oil and raw materials for fertiliser, sending energy prices soaring and raising the risk of a food security crisis in some of the world's most vulnerable countries. Al Jazeera
• [New] The global population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, increasing fertilizer demand by nearly 50% to ensure food security. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Urban agriculture could supply up to 10% of global vegetable demand if scaled effectively. Market Data Forecast
• [New] There are 2.69 billion people unable to afford a diverse diet that meets their energy and nutrient needs, and it will take immense amounts of work to achieve the global target of zero hunger by 2030. The Guardian
• [New] Continued investment in precision agriculture, disease-resistant varieties, and high-yield planting systems is expected to improve productivity further, supporting stable global supply and export growth over the coming years. MarkNtel Advisors
• [New] More than 80% of drought impacts on agriculture globally are projected to hit low- and middle-income countries. Mapshock
• [New] Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa face limited access to irrigation, agricultural inputs, and modern technologies, combined with weak adaptive capacity and inadequate infrastructure, which drives rising food prices, reduced dietary diversity, and increased risks of hunger and malnutrition. Mapshock
• [New] A record-strength El Nino could unleash flooding and hunger from Somalia to Pakistan. Al Jazeera
• [New] The global decline of pollinator populations is a critical threat to food security, given that over 75% of global food crops rely on animal pollination. ThesisLikho
• [New] The weather pattern is expected to affect many countries across Asia and Africa, increasing drought risks and reducing water availability for agriculture. Vietnam Economic Times
• [New] Despite ongoing challenges, international cooperation and innovation are expected to strengthen global food systems and reduce hunger in the coming years. Kwaralefro
• [New] Food security continues to be a major global concern as countries face rising food prices, climate change, and supply chain disruptions. Kwaralefro
• [New] Four hunger hotspots faced a risk of Famine at some point in 2026 or are expected to remain at risk during the outlook period: Sudan, South Sudan, the Gaza Strip, and Somalia. United Nations Western Europe
• [New] In 2026, ahead of an intense El Nino that is predicted to bring lower-than-usual levels of precipitation, Thailand's agriculture officials are urging farmers to plant crops that are less water-intensive to avoid another devastated harvest. Circle of Blue
• [New] The FAO and the WFP called for swift, coordinated international action to scale up aid, protect livelihoods and prevent further deterioration, warning that without swift intervention, millions more could face catastrophic hunger in the months ahead. Boston Herald
• [New] As agriculture continues to evolve, many Missouri farmers are looking beyond traditional production practices to create new opportunities for their operations. Missouri Farm Bureau
• [New] Millions of people already facing hunger, displacement and economic hardship could soon face another major climate shock, as UN agencies warned on Thursday that extreme weather risks are intensifying across some of the world's most vulnerable regions. UN News
• [New] An important new DEFRA and Innovate UK-funded research project will be unveiled later this month to assess whether proso millet could become a sustainable, climate-resilient spring break crop for UK agriculture. Farmers Guide
• [New] Lighter amounts elsewhere will likely be insufficient to overcome the high water demands coming from much-above-normal temperatures and summer agriculture, especially across Illinois, Indiana, and northern Minnesota. Drought.gov
• [New] UK rules are expected to re-align with EU frameworks covering general food law, labelling, hygiene and safety rules, nutrition and health claims, pesticides and biocides. Osborne Clarke

Last updated: 27 July 2026