Amidst the backdrop of persistent global poverty, a new study sheds light on a critical aspect of economic disparity that has often been overlooked: the right to adequate nutrition. Conducted by a research team from the University of Göttingen, in collaboration with Misereor, the study introduces a novel approach to understanding poverty—one that extends beyond mere financial thresholds to encompass nutritional requirements. This innovative methodology assesses poverty by evaluating the affordability of healthy diets alongside other essential needs, moving away from traditional metrics that may no longer adequately capture the complexities of human well-being.
According to World Bank statistics, approximately 654 million individuals are deemed extremely poor, living on less than US$2.15 per day. However, this figure overlooks a staggering reality: nearly two billion people currently grapple with moderate to severe food insecurity, coupled with deficiencies in vital micronutrients. This discrepancy emphasizes the need for a reevaluation of poverty metrics to include factors that directly affect health and quality of life, prompting the research team to develop a more comprehensive framework.
By integrating specific data related to the cost of healthy diets—based on established dietary guidelines—with consumption statistics from 145 countries, the researchers have been able to redefine the global poverty landscape. The findings reveal that in 2022, between 2.3 and 2.9 billion individuals lived below the revised poverty line, signaling a dramatic increase compared to the traditionally recognized numbers. This alarming statistic invites a deeper discussion on how poverty is measured and whom these measures fail to represent.
The implications of these findings are profound. Current poverty metrics suggest that two-thirds of the world’s poor reside in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the new assessment indicates that over one-third of individuals living in poverty are actually situated in South Asia, a revelation that fundamentally alters our understanding of geographical poverty. Regions that previously accounted for a mere 7% of global poverty using traditional assessments are now revealed to make up between 29% and 35% under this new approach, with East Asia and the Pacific representing a substantial 10% to 19% of the world’s impoverished population.
Jonas Stehl, the lead author and PhD researcher at Göttingen University’s Development Economics Research Group, articulates a crucial point: “Billions of individuals are excluded from the definitions of extreme poverty, yet they struggle to secure sufficient food for nutritional adequacy and other fundamental needs.” This statement underscores a vital concern: the methodologies in place for measuring poverty need to be updated to reflect the realities faced by millions around the world who are persistently overlooked.
The study advocates for the World Bank to revise its poverty assessment methods to include a broader spectrum of well-being indicators. As nations confront the dual challenges of hunger and malnutrition, it is essential that policymakers are equipped with accurate data that encompasses the economic barriers to nutrition. The traditional poverty line, which has long guided humanitarian efforts, is inadequate in addressing the full scope of human deprivation and need for social safety nets.
As we delve deeper into the study’s findings, it becomes evident that the health consequences of malnutrition are dire and far-reaching. Without adequate access to nutritious food, individuals are more vulnerable to chronic health conditions and health disparities. This is particularly concerning given that nutritional deficits primarily affect children and women, perpetuating cycles of poverty across generations. Therefore, acknowledging and addressing the reporting gaps within existing poverty metrics is necessary for formulating effective interventions.
Moreover, the concept of “food poverty” serves as a reminder of the nexus between economic stability and health outcomes. As dietary affordability becomes a central issue, it is imperative for economies to strive toward creating environments where individuals can attain nutritious foods without financial strain. The researchers’ findings suggest that a multifaceted approach, integrating social welfare policies with nutritional support, is fundamental to combating global poverty.
This study is not just a stark reminder of the problem; it also sets the stage for constructive policy responses. Governments can use these insights to strategically allocate resources aimed at alleviating hunger, ensuring diverse and nutritious food sources are available to all citizens. Community-based programs could also be reinforced to educate individuals about healthy eating practices and the importance of proper nutrition, which in turn could foster long-term health improvements.
In closing, the University of Göttingen’s groundbreaking research highlights the pressing need for a paradigm shift in poverty assessment. By refusing to view poverty solely through the lens of income, we obtain a clearer picture of the multifaceted crises affecting billions worldwide. The challenge now lies in translating these findings into actions that adequately support affected populations and reshape global poverty reduction efforts.
Subject of Research: Assessing poverty through the lens of nutritional adequacy and diet affordability.
Article Title: Global poverty and the cost of a healthy diet
News Publication Date: 1-Apr-2025
Web References: Food Policy DOI
References: Stehl J, Depenbusch L, Vollmer S "Global poverty and the cost of a healthy diet", Food Policy 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2025.102849
Image Credits: Adapted from the publication: Stehl, J. et al., Food Policy, DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2025.102849; licensed under CC BY 4.0
Keywords: Poverty, Food Security, Nutrition, Economic Development, Public Health, Food Policy.
