Editor's Note [Volume 25 No. 7 (2025)]

https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.144.ED170

World hunger will be solved once leadership becomes serious

With the pressing issue of world hunger persisting due to a lack of political will, transitioning out of my professional life evokes a sense of disappointment towards the global efforts in eradicating food insecurity. Despite ample resources, the world still grapples with this challenge. Recent data from 2024 indicate a concerning increase in food insecurity, affecting 2.3 billion out of 8.142 billion people since the pandemic. With all the technological advancements so far made, and the huge wealth accumulated at both personal and corporate levels, it is puzzling that the number of hungry people in the world continues to rise. What is it? What do we not get right? Looking towards 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals' zero hunger target, projections suggest that 512 million individuals might face chronic undernourishment, with a majority in Africa. This looming reality raises questions about Africa's ongoing battle with food insecurity. Urgency calls for action as marginalized groups struggle to assert their food rights and justice. For centuries, and right from the HOLY BOOK, the poor have always gone hungry. And in this 21st Century, the poor still go hungry, even when there has been a bumper harvest. In this second half of the year, we hold and attend many meetings on this hunger issue. Also currently, there are wars and conflicts going on, whose major consequence is food insecurity. It hurts me more when I see children so badly affected, for no fault of theirs. Leadership, or should I say failed leadership is the issue here. If we cannot have empathy and act on behalf of hungry children, then something has gone terribly wrong somewhere. Imagine I have no answers as to what to do, but I am bothered. In addition to conflicts, global food systems encounter hurdles from climate disruptions, and economic pressures. Despite these challenges, hope for improvement might lie in scientific advancements, technology, and strategic investments, and no doubt in good governance. The sight of malnourished children on screens begs the question: why does leadership, even at the UN level, allow such crises to persist? Institutions established to tackle global challenges often lose sight of their primary goal, leading to prolonged discussions rather than solutions; discussion after discussion. Leadership across various levels holds the key to transforming the world and eradicating hunger and childhood malnutrition. While the task may extend beyond a single lifetime, collective efforts from religious, corporate, governmental, and educational leaders can pave the way for a hunger-free future. This is possible, but we have to be intentional about it. We have always asked for those affected to rise up and get involved. But how can one who does not know where his family’s next meal will come from take on whole governments, corporations or any other institution? Forgive me. With serious, well-meaning leadership, world hunger can be eradicated and children can be saved.

Prof. Ruth Khasaya Oniang'o
Founder and Editor-in-Chief, AJFAND
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8344-9093


In this issue, we have 14 well-reviewed articles.
I urge you to take time to peruse them.