💡 5% of GDP for Defense: How Much Could We Spend Against Hunger?

Introduction

Currently, many countries spend about 5% of their GDP on military spending. With global GDP expected to reach approximately $110 trillion by 2024, that represents about $5.5 trillion per year on defense. But what if that money were redirected to fighting world hunger?

1. The global hunger landscape

Despite progress, more than 800 million people still live with severe food insecurity (FAO, 2024). Child malnutrition persists, especially in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, resulting in impaired cognitive and physical development.

> “Hunger remains the greatest threat to global health, surpassing infectious diseases” – FAO, 2024.

2. How much money would be needed?

Several organizations, such as the FAO and the WFP, estimate that US$50 to 60 billion per year would be enough to eradicate acute hunger in the world (FAO, WFP, 2023). Therefore, the US$5.5 trillion invested in defense is more than a hundred times greater than what is needed!

3. Impact of reallocating 5% of global GDP

If the 5% of GDP were redirected:

US$5.45 trillion would be earmarked annually for the eradication of hunger.

With efficient allocation, this would ensure universal food security.

In the long run, there would be greater productivity, health and poverty reduction.

4. Essential metrics for effective investment

To ensure success, it would be necessary to:

Agricultural infrastructure: storage, transport and irrigation.

Financial support for small farmers.

Integration of food chains at affordable prices.

Access to nutritional education and combating waste.

5. Criticism of the military-industrial complex

The growing military budget occurs in a context of:

Geopolitical pressures (arms race, regional threats).

High profits for defense companies.

Intense political influence.

Shifting resources to food security would require us to confront powerful economic interests and rethink security policies.

6. The relevance of partnerships

The fundamental alternatives are:

Government – NGOs: Leveraging local expertise.

Partnerships with the private sector: Investments in sustainable agriculture.

Civil society participation: Monitoring and mobilization.

7. Successful examples

Brazil (PAA): Purchase of food from family farming.

📉 Recent progress in the fight against hunger

According to the UN report (SOFI 2024), Brazil reduced severe food insecurity by 85% in 2023, taking 14.7 million people out of hunger.

Ghana: Agricultural Subsidy Program.

Italy: Combating waste with distribution to food banks.

Reliable external sources:

FAO: http://www.fao.org

Global Comparison: GDP in Defense vs. Fighting Hunger

Country | % of GDP on Defense (2024) | Hunger/Food Insecurity Situation

USA | 3.4% | 44 million food insecure

China |1.7% |134 million food insecure

India |2.3% |224 million food insecure

Brazil |1.5% |1.2% of the population in severe hunger

Niger |1.8% |>40% of the population in chronic hunger

Ethiopia |0.7% |20% of population in hunger

> Sources: SIPRI 2025, Index Mundi, UN SOFI 2024, FAO Hunger Map

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🗺️ Global Hunger Map (UN 2024)

- Sub-Saharan Africa: most affected region, with 20.4% of the population suffering from chronic hunger

- South Asia: highest absolute number of malnourished people

- Latin America and the Caribbean: 6.2% of the population affected

- Europe and North America: low rates, but with pockets of food insecurity

> See the UN Hunger Map with interactive data by country.

WFP: http://www.wfp.org

📊 Comparison: GDP allocated to Defense vs. Fight against Hunger (Brazil)

Year | % of GDP for Defense | % of GDP for Fighting Hunger

2015 | 1.4% | 0.3%

2019 |1.5% |0.2%

2023 | 1.6% | 0.4%

2024 |(est.) 1.7%| 0.5%

Source: Defense and Security Magazine (2023), CNN Brazil on Defense budget, SOFI 2024 - UN

10. Affiliate Products

3 suggestions from Amazon and Hotmart:

Amazon

Home Hydroponic Planting Kit – for sustainable cultivation.

Book “The Ethics of Hunger ” – sociopolitical analysis.

Portable water filter – ideal for rural communities.

Hotmart Infoproducts

Domestic Organic Farming Course – practical methodology.

E-book “ Urban Gardens ” – step by step guide.

“ Nutrition in the Kitchen ” Program – classes on healthy eating.

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