ABSTRACT
Contrary to many popular perceptions, there has been consistent growth in average percapita food supply in the world since 1950. Thus the proportions of the populations of the developed and developing worlds receiving less than the basic metabolic rate fell from 13 and 34 per cent respectively in 1948-50 to 12 and 17 per cent in 1978-80. But when percentages are translated back into absolute numbers and when averages are related back
. to their underlying statistical distributions, it becomes clear why the problem of hunger remains such a potent one. For example, in 1978-80, as in 1948-50, there were still half a billion people in the developing world receiving less than the basic metabolic rate. And in Africa, some countries show huge shortfalls in minimum nutrition levels: the so-called 'calorie gap'.
