Nearly 850 million people in 77 lower-income countries are food insecure, and the situation could grow worse in the poorest countries. Some countries-due in part to policy changes and stronger economic growth-have significantly improved their food security situation since the 1996 World Food Summit. This includes several lower income countries in Asia and Latin America. Sub-Saharan Africa, however, has seen little progress.

ERS provides research, analysis, and information on food security, including factors affecting food production and ability to import food in lower-income countries. The agency publishes an annual report assessing international food security. 

Last updated: Wednesday, May 30, 2012

For more information contact: Stacey Rosen, Shahla Shapouri, and Birgit Meade