The latest report on Global Hunger has ranked Liberia 120 out of 127 countries with a score of 31.9, which suggests ‘serious hunger.’
Next to Niger in West Africa, Liberia is the hungriest country in the region with 38.4% of its population undernourished.
The country is placed 120th out of 127 countries, scoring 31.9, which signals a “serious” hunger level, just below Niger in the region.
According to the report, 38.4% of Liberia’s population is undernourished, a key factor contributing to its low ranking.
The Global Hunger Index uses four core indicators to assess hunger levels:
Undernourishment: 38.4% of Liberia’s population lacks sufficient caloric intake.
Child stunting: 29.8% of children under five have low height for their age, showing signs of chronic undernutrition.
Child wasting: 3.4% of under-five children suffer from low weight for their height, indicating acute undernutrition.
Child Mortality: 7.3% of children die before reaching their fifth birthday.
The GHI is designed to raise awareness of global hunger and help policymakers identify countries in urgent need of intervention.
It reflects both caloric deficiencies and poor nutrition, particularly among children, a vulnerable group severely impacted by inadequate diets, poor healthcare, and unsanitary living conditions.
Hunger vs. Government Spending
Despite this dire situation, government spending data shows a stark contrast between national priorities and the country’s hunger crisis.
According to the 2024 Outturn Report and the 2025 Approved National Budget, the Liberian government allocated:
US$5,677,858 for Food and catering over two fiscal years (2024–2025)
US$2,165,326 for Entertainment over the same period
This brings the total to US$7,843,184, largely spent on high-level government officials or “VIPs.”
The revelation has sparked public outrage, as critics question how such lavish spending can occur amid severe hunger.
With nearly 4 out of every 10 Liberians going to bed hungry and 1 in 3 children stunted, advocates are calling for urgent realignment of national spending priorities to address the country’s food insecurity crisis.
