Feasibility Study on the Operationalization of the Food Stockholding Mechanism for the Least Developed Countries

Despite recent progress, food insecurity remains alarmingly high in the 44 least developed countries (LDCs). In 2024, while global hunger declined slightly, 21% of people in LDCs were undernourished, nearly three times the world average, and over 40% faced moderate or severe food insecurity, compared to 29% globally. Structural vulnerabilities, climate shocks, conflict and economic instability continue to erode resilience, while recurrent global crises and persistent humanitarian funding gaps have further weakened the ability of existing systems to respond effectively, especially in the most vulnerable countries. Emerging shocks, such as conflict in the Strait of Hormuz region, which has disrupted global energy and fertilizer markets, are expected to intensify pressures on food security in LDCs through higher input costs, reduced fertilizer use, lower agricultural yields and subsequent food price inflation, even if impacts are not immediately visible. 

With the deadline of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development fast approaching, the world remains far off track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 on zero hunger. The 44 LDCs, where agriculture is the backbone of livelihoods and national economies, bear a disproportionate share of hunger and malnutrition. Accelerated investment in Goal 2 is therefore imperative, not only to improve food security and rural incomes, but also to strengthen the capacity of agricultural systems capable of withstanding climate and global economic shocks. Progress on food security will also catalyse broader development outcomes, advancing poverty reduction, health, education and gender equality, and positioning food systems as a cornerstone of sustainable development in LDCs. 

The 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit sought to catalyse action across interconnected Sustainable Development Goals, spanning poverty (Goal 1), hunger (Goal 2), health (Goal 3), sustainable consumption (Goal 12) and climate action (Goal 13). Building on this momentum, the Secretary-General’s call to action for accelerated food systems transformation at the United Nations Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment, held in July 2023, explicitly called for the operationalization of the Food Stockholding Mechanism for LDCs. Most recently, the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktaking Moment reinforced this mandate by identifying delivery in complex and fragile settings as the foremost priority area, a challenge that the Mechanism is uniquely designed to address through its predictable, data-driven framework specifically tailored for LDCS. 

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