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Food supply

Hunger Declines in Central Asia, but Challenges Persist

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Hunger in Central Asia has significantly declined over the past two decades, with a sharp reduction in the share of the population suffering from undernourishment. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the region has achieved substantial progress in food security, despite temporary disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, persistent challenges remain, including high rates of anemia among women and rising adult obesity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The share of the population suffering from undernourishment in Central Asia dropped from 13.1% in 2005 to 2.8% in 2024, equivalent to a decline from 7.8 million people to 2.3 million.
  • Much of this progress was achieved before 2019, with the introduction of stronger food security policies and an economic rebound.
  • A healthy diet in Central Asia now costs an average of $3.78 per person per day, which remains unaffordable for many low-income households, particularly in rural Tajikistan.
  • FAO estimates that approximately 14% of the region's population, roughly 11.5 million people, still cannot afford a balanced diet in 2024.
  • Child health indicators, including stunting and acute malnutrition, have improved significantly since 2012.
  • Persistent challenges include anemia affecting about one-third of women of reproductive age and adult obesity rates increasing from 18.8% to 25.1% over the past decade.
  • Tajikistan remains the most food-insecure country in the former Soviet Union, with 8.7% of its population facing food shortages, according to the Global Hunger Index.

Statistics:

  • Share of the population suffering from undernourishment in Central Asia: 13.1% (2005) - 2.8% (2024)
  • Decline from 7.8 million people to 2.3 million
  • Average cost of a healthy diet in Central Asia: $3.78 per person per day (2024)
  • Global average cost of a healthy diet: $4.46 per person per day
  • Population unable to afford a balanced diet in 2024: approximately 11.5 million people (14% of the region's population)
  • Prevalence of stunting among children under five: 14.8% (2012) - 7.4% (current)
  • Rates of acute malnutrition and childhood obesity: declined, but rates not specified
  • Anemia among women of reproductive age: affects about one-third of the population (approximately 33%)
  • Adult obesity rates: increased from 18.8% to 25.1% over the past decade

Sources:

  • UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • International Food Policy Research Institute (Global Hunger Index)
  • Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty

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