Europe and Central Asia Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2024: Managing water sustainably for improved food security and nutrition

This report provides the latest updates on hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in Europe and Central Asia, including the cost and affordability of healthy diets. It also explores the central theme of water security, highlighting its critical connections to agriculture, food security and nutrition.While the region has made progress in reducing hunger and food insecurity (SDG Target 2.1), challenges remain in eliminating all forms of malnutrition (SDG Target 2.2). Food insecurity and malnutrition persist in some countries, influenced by income levels, socioeconomic factors and climate risks. In 2023, global undernourishment remained at 9.1 percent, whereas the region has stayed below 2.5 percent since 2005, except in Central Asia (3 percent in 2023 and marginally higher in 2022). Food insecurity affected 11.5 percent of the population in 2023, well below the global average (28.9 percent).Many countries have reduced child stunting, wasting and low birthweight, but childhood overweight, anaemia in women aged 15–49, and adult obesity remain concerns. In 2022, 64.3 million people in the region couldn’t afford a healthy diet, though numbers have declined after the pandemic. At 16.3 percent, Central Asia had the highest unaffordability rate.Water security challenges – including scarcity, ageing infrastructure, pollution and weak governance – affect Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Western Balkans. Poor water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in some areas impacts nutrition and health. The report recommends improving water conservation and recycling and exploring the use of alternative sources such as desalination and groundwater. Strengthening transboundary cooperation and promoting sustainable water management are crucial. Reducing agriculture’s water footprint through efficient crop choices can enhance climate resilience and long-term water sustainability.