By Abdullahi Lukman
A new study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) warns that climate change could drive an additional 200 million people into hunger by 2050 as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and extreme weather increasingly disrupt global agricultural production.
The report projects significant declines in staple crop yields, particularly wheat, rice and maize, due to heat stress and water scarcity.
In some regions, wheat production could fall by as much as 20 per cent, posing a major threat to food supplies at a time when the global population is expected to approach 10 billion.
Using advanced climate models and agricultural simulations, researchers assessed the long-term impact of shifting weather patterns on food systems, with developing countries identified as the most vulnerable due to their heavy reliance on agriculture and limited adaptive capacity.
The study calls for urgent policy action, including investments in climate-resilient farming methods, improved irrigation infrastructure and sustainable land management practices.
IFPRI Director, Dr. Shenggen Fan, urged governments to integrate food security into their climate strategies, stressing that the intersection between climate change and hunger can no longer be overlooked.
Beyond agricultural losses, the report highlights widening socioeconomic inequalities, warning that low-income populations face heightened risks of malnutrition and reduced food access if adaptation measures are not implemented.
The findings come ahead of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, where global leaders are expected to deliberate on coordinated responses to climate challenges.
The institute emphasized that climate action and food security must be addressed together to safeguard future food systems and prevent deepening global inequality.
