Economic inequality is no longer confined to incomes; it now extends to what people eat and how well they are nourished. Diets have become a powerful indicator of global disparity, with access to balanced nutrition remaining out of reach for millions. Despite advances in food production and diet diversification, low-income countries continue to face chronic undernutrition. The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034 forecasts that average per capita daily intake of animal-source foods in these countries will be just 143 kcal by 2034; less than half of the 300 kcal threshold set by FAO's Healthy Diet Basket.
Middle-Income Nations on the Rise
In contrast, lower-middle-income countries are projected to see a 25% increase in per capita consumption of animal-source foods. Urbanization, economic growth, and changing dietary patterns are pushing these nations toward more diversified and protein-rich diets.
Barriers Beyond Income
Nutrition inequality isn’t merely about income levels. Factors like inadequate cold chains, insufficient market access, and absence of dietary awareness also play pivotal roles. Low-income households often turn to calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods due to affordability and availability.
Ultra-Processed Threat
The Outlook warns of a troubling trend: rising consumption of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt, especially in urban middle-income areas. These foods displace healthier staples, contributing to hidden hunger and a rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
Policy Solutions for Equity
The report calls for nutrition-sensitive agricultural policies, investment in diversified food production, and better integration of dietary guidelines into national food systems. Targeted subsidies and public awareness campaigns could help reverse current trends.
The widening nutritional gap is a silent but profound crisis that undermines health, productivity, and the achievement of long-term development goals. Addressing this divide requires more than just improving food availability. It demands targeted, equity-driven strategies that prioritize access, affordability, and awareness.
Governments, development partners, and the private sector must collaborate to promote nutrition-sensitive policies, invest in resilient food systems, and empower communities with knowledge and choice. Ensuring that every population, regardless of income, can access a balanced and healthy diet is not just a matter of justice. It is a global imperative for sustainable progress.
