Food security drops sharply in North Africa and Middle East

FOOD security and nutrition levels have sharply deteriorated over the past five years in the Middle East and North Africa due to the magnitude of conflicts, a new UN report says.

“A peaceful and stable environment is an absolute pre-condition for farmers to respond to water scarcity and climate change,” said Abdessalam Ould Ahmed, assistant director-general and regional representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

“Achieving food security is still at hand provided we take concerted efforts and make the right moves now.”

The FAO 2016 Regional Overview of Food Insecurity in the Near East and North Africa noted that the deterioration is largely driven by conflicts and protracted crises.

The FAO assessment shows the prevalence of severe food insecurity in the adult population was close to 9.5% in 2014/15, representing approximately 30 million people.

Before 2010, the prevalence of undernourishment, stunting, anaemia and poverty were decreasing.

“The region is facing unprecedented challenges to its food security due to multiple risks arising from conflicts, water scarcity and climate change.

“Countries of the region need to implement long-term and comprehensive sustainable water management to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of ending hunger by 2030.”

The Syrian crisis in particular has deepened during 2015-2016, leaving more than half the population in need of food assistance and 4.8 million refugees in neighbouring countries.

The numbers of food insecure and the internally displaced are also rising in Iraq and Yemen.