Hunger by the Numbers

As of 2023, approximately 733 million people worldwide faced hunger, equating to about one in eleven individuals globally. In Africa, this figure is more pronounced, with one in five people experiencing hunger.

The prevalence of hunger has remained stubbornly high over the past three years, with between 713 and 757 million people undernourished in 2023. This stagnation highlights the challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to eliminate hunger by 2030.

Factors contributing to this persistent hunger include conflicts, economic downturns, and climate-related events, all of which have exacerbated food insecurity globally.

The daily cost of food per person varies significantly based on factors such as location, dietary preferences, and economic conditions. Here are some insights:

- United States: In 2024, the average monthly grocery expenditure per person is approximately $418.44, translating to about $13.95 per day.

- Global Perspective: The World Bank reported that in 2022, the average cost of a healthy diet was $3.96 per person per day in current purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars. This cost varied across income groups, with low-income countries averaging $3.48 and high-income countries at $3.78 per person per day.

These figures provide a general overview, but individual expenses can vary based on personal choices and local economic factors.

To alleviate world hunger for one month, assuming a daily food cost of $5 per person, approximately $109.95 billion would be required.

As of 2024, the combined defense expenditures of NATO member countries are estimated at approximately $1.474 trillion. The United States accounts for the largest share, with a defense budget of $967.7 billion.

Beyond NATO, other Western countries also allocate significant funds to their military budgets. For instance:

- Australia: In 2024, Australia's defense budget is projected to be around $44.6 billion.

- Japan: Japan's defense spending for 2024 is estimated at approximately $51.4 billion.

When combining the defense budgets of NATO members with those of other Western nations such as Australia and Japan, the total military expenditure surpasses $1.57 trillion in 2024.

It's important to note that these figures are subject to change based on economic conditions, policy decisions, and geopolitical factors.

In 2023, global military expenditure reached a record high of $2.44 trillion, marking a 6.8% increase from the previous year.

Dividing the global military budget of $2.44 trillion by the monthly cost to alleviate world hunger ($109.95 billion) gives approximately 22.19.

This suggests that the annual global military budget could theoretically cover the cost of alleviating world hunger for about 22 months.

Redirecting military budgets entirely toward humanitarian aid, such as alleviating world hunger, is a noble idea, but several complex factors contribute to why it hasn't happened. Here are some of the main reasons:

1. National Security Concerns

- Perceived Threats: Governments prioritize military spending to protect against perceived or real threats from other nations or non-state actors.

- Strategic Interests: Military power is often seen as a deterrent against aggression and a way to maintain influence on the global stage.

2. Economic Impact of the Defense Industry

- Jobs and Economy: The defense industry provides millions of jobs and is a substantial part of the economy in many countries. Reducing military budgets could lead to job losses and economic repercussions.

- Technological Advancements: Many technological advancements, like GPS and the internet, originated in military research. Governments often justify defense spending as an investment in technological innovation.

3. Political and Ideological Differences

- Political Influence: Defense contractors and interest groups exert significant influence on policymakers, lobbying to maintain or increase defense budgets.

- National Pride and Identity: Many societies view military strength as a source of national pride and sovereignty, influencing public support for defense budgets.

4. Global Power Dynamics

- Power Balancing: Military budgets are part of power balancing among nations. Countries often feel compelled to maintain or increase their military spending to match potential adversaries and allies.

- Alliances and Commitments: Countries in alliances, like NATO, commit to mutual defense, which requires certain levels of spending from each member.

5. Bureaucratic and Institutional Inertia

- Long-term Planning and Contracts: Military spending often involves long-term contracts, research, and infrastructure, making it difficult to shift funds quickly.

- Institutional Inertia: Large institutions, like the military, often resist rapid changes, with entrenched interests and traditions that are challenging to alter.

6. Complexity of Addressing Global Hunger

- Systemic Issues: Alleviating hunger requires systemic changes, including improvements in infrastructure, governance, and education, not just funds.

- Local Conflicts and Governance Issues: In regions where hunger is most severe, local conflicts and governance challenges make it hard to ensure that funds and aid reach those in need effectively.

7. Public Perception and Prioritization

- Varying Priorities: For many citizens, national security is seen as a top priority. Changing public perception to support significant reductions in military budgets in favor of global humanitarian causes requires cultural and ideological shifts.

Moving Forward

While diverting the entirety of military budgets may not be realistic under current conditions, smaller reallocations are feasible. Increased international cooperation, creative policy solutions, and shifts in public opinion could help direct more funds toward addressing global hunger, poverty, and other pressing humanitarian issues while still maintaining balanced security needs.