Is global hunger caused by a global lack of food?

No. Today's global supply of food is more than enough for everyone. (In fact, the world produces about 40% more basic grains and staple crops than the world's population could eat, with the surplus going to livestock). The primary cause of hunger worldwide is poverty, which makes it difficult to gain access to food in markets. War and political disadvantage as also factors contributing to both poverty and hunger in some settings, and the degradation of land, water, and other natural resources, along with population growth, have combined to exacerbate problems of poverty & hunger in settings where whole communities depend for a sustainable resource base for their livelihoods.

For sources of research and analysis on this topic, visit the International Food Policy Research Institute.
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