Global hunger remains one of humanity’s most pressing crises, with over 730 million people suffering from chronic hunger and nearly two billion lacking regular access to nutritious food. Simultaneously, the neo-globalized capitalist economy, characterized by the relentless pursuit of profit, continues to exacerbate disparities in wealth and resources, raising critical questions about its role in perpetuating food insecurity.
Victoria Kalinin, Communications Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted this stark reality in a recent briefing. "Despite the progress made, hunger remains a persistent challenge," she said. "Today, more than 730 million people still suffer from hunger, while two billion lack consistent access to safe and nutritious food. This highlights the urgent need to combat hunger and poverty."
However, the neo-globalized economy, driven by capital mobility and profit maximization, often works against efforts to address this crisis. Multinational corporations dominate global food systems, focusing on profit rather than equitable distribution. Agricultural lands in poorer nations are frequently repurposed for cash crops like soy or palm oil, destined for export rather than feeding local populations. This results in food deserts in the very regions that produce food, intensifying hunger.
"The prioritization of profit over people creates a system where hunger is not just a natural consequence but a manufactured crisis," said Dr. Amara Singh, a development economist. "Corporations have transformed food into a commodity for wealth generation, sidelining its fundamental role as a human necessity."
Capital flight to low-regulation markets further exacerbates inequalities. Wealthy nations and corporations dominate global trade, often imposing exploitative policies on developing countries. Subsidies and trade barriers in wealthy nations distort global food prices, making it difficult for local farmers in poorer regions to compete.
Moreover, the financialization of food—where speculative trading drives up prices—has left millions vulnerable to price shocks. In 2008 and 2011, spikes in global food prices, partly due to speculation, plunged millions more into hunger.
Addressing hunger in a profit-driven world requires rethinking global systems. Advocates call for stronger regulations on speculative markets, investment in local agriculture, and the prioritization of sustainable and equitable food systems. Without systemic change, the coexistence of mass hunger and record corporate profits will remain a grim hallmark of the neo-globalized capitalist economy.
As Kalinin emphasized, combating hunger is not merely a moral obligation but an essential step toward creating a stable and equitable world. The challenge lies in aligning the goals of global capitalism with the fundamental human right to food.
