Despite international efforts to address food insecurity, around 108 million people in the world were severely food insecure in 2016, a dramatic increase compared with 80 million in 2015, according to a new global report on food crises released in Brussels today.

South Africa has been experiencing its most severe drought in over 35 years. More than half of the population have experienced water shortages or supply interruptions, while rising food prices and income insecurity are making hunger a daily reality for a growing number of families.

Seventy-eight per cent of people in rural and urban areas have experienced food shortages in the last five months, according to a new report by the advocacy organisation Twaweza. Eighty-four per cent of rural residents reported being affected, while the figure for urban areas is 64 per cent.

The purpose of this report is to increase understanding of the nature of the challenges that agriculture and food systems are facing now and will face into the 21st century. Its analysis of 15 global trends provides insights into what is at stake and what needs to be done.

Stylized facts drive research agendas and policy debates. Yet robust stylized facts are hard to come by, and when available, often outdated.