Food security eats into Mideast fears
Governments have sought multiple solutions to solve the problem, but it still persists
Multiple solutions sought, but the problem still persists
One failed industry after another in Mena created a vicious cycle of endless unemployment and stagnant job growth.
The lack of employment opportunities means that the state ends up subsidising not only the food that it could not grow domestically, such as wheat, but also subsidise employment through the provision of government jobs. Otherwise, unemployment results in income deprivation and thus limited entitlement to food.
Subsidies
This of course does not in any way avail states from having to further subsidise food to placate their populations since unemployment is a rife and growing issue in Mena, which continues to aggravate food insecurity. As a result, governments’ continuous subsidisation of jobs inflates the size and role of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), crowding out private companies and undermining their role in creating jobs.
Thus far, Mena has come a long way despite its 50 years of food insecurity. While one significant factor had been hydrocarbons and periods of high oil prices, another that should not be underestimated is that of economic reforms which, despite being implemented half-heartedly, have shouldered a few of the food security troughs.
Mena was never able to produce enough food to match its population growth. Such growth does not only strain food production, but also puts pressures on states’ coffers as Mena countries have to continue subsidising food and employment for growing populations through government jobs. Thus, food insecurity is not only the by-product of a lack of food production and the resources needed for it.
Food insecurity is also the by-product of economic mismanagement and the lack of job and income creation that came with it. The last question that I want to leave you with: How will Mena afford its food over the coming 50 years, and more?
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