World Bank - Food Security Update, July 2023

This report provides an update on the state of global hunger and food insecurity, as well as the current status of agricultural commodity prices. The report highlights the challenges and opportunities that urbanization presents in the context of agrifood systems. It also notes that while progress has been made in reducing hunger, it has stagnated in recent years. The report highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity, with an estimated 9.9% of the world's population experiencing hunger in 2020. Additionally, disrupted trade flows and increased demand related to conflicts and refugee influxes have contributed to atypically high staple food prices in some areas. The report also notes that climate change is exacerbating water scarcity in some regions, which is affecting crop yields and food security. Finally, Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative raises concerns in global markets, as the initiative was aimed at improving transparency and cooperation in the grain market. Overall, the report emphasizes the need for continued efforts to reduce hunger and improve food security, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.