Iran war, global conflicts could push up to 18 million more into hunger: UN fund chief

Conflicts and disruptions to global energy markets could push 9-18 million more people into hunger by driving up fuel, fertilizer and food costs, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) President Alvaro Lario has warned.

His remarks came as a new UN food security report showed that while global hunger has eased slightly in recent years, progress remains fragile. The report projects that more than 500 million people could still face chronic hunger by 2030, with Africa expected to be the hardest-hit region.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Lario said geopolitical tensions, including uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war, could severely disrupt shipping and energy supplies, raising agricultural costs and worsening food insecurity.

Conflict and energy costs deepen food crisis

Lario said conflicts remain one of the biggest drivers of global hunger, disrupting trade, energy supplies and access to agricultural inputs. Rising fuel prices have increased fertilizer costs and made farming more expensive, especially for small-scale farmers who depend on diesel-powered irrigation, harvesting and transportation.

He warned that higher production costs ultimately translate into higher food prices, making nutritious diets even less affordable.

Climate change worsens food insecurity

The UN report also identifies affordability as a major challenge, noting that around one-third of the world’s population cannot afford a healthy diet. In low-income countries, that figure rises to about 77%.

Lario said floods, prolonged droughts and extreme heat are becoming more frequent, threatening agricultural production worldwide. He urged governments to invest in climate resilience and adaptation before disasters occur rather than relying solely on emergency relief.

Africa at the centre of the crisis

According to the report, Africa has overtaken Asia as the region with the largest number of hungry people, and nearly 60% of the world’s chronically undernourished population could live on the continent by 2030.

Lario attributed the trend to rapid population growth, slower economic development and heavy dependence on food imports, calling for greater investment in agriculture, storage, infrastructure and regional trade to strengthen food security.

He warned that without stronger action to address conflict, climate shocks and energy-market disruptions, recent gains against global hunger could quickly be reversed.