Sowing seeds of change : strengthening regional cooperation for Food Security and prosperity in MENA
UN agencies estimated that over 55 millions of its population of 456.7 million were undernourished. The challenges many nations in the region faced by offer us new chances for collaboration in order to achieve regional prosperity.
Main key Challenges underlying MENA's food Insecurity and opportunity
Here are some key points about MENA food security. First, the MENA region has limited freshwater resources and lies among the most water-scarce in the world. This shortage has a significant impact on agricultural productivity in the area, which requires a significant amount of water.
Second, the MENA region has limited arable land: it’s a major part of which has been degraded by soil erosion and desertification. The consequences is reduced agricultural productivity leading to an increased food insecurity.
Third, many MENA countries heavily rely on food imports to meet their population's needs. Therefore, they are vulnerable to fluctuations in foreign food prices, currency exchange rates, and hence trade disruptions.
The World Bank predicts that over the coming decades, the global food production will have to increase by 70 percent or more to meet demand. Innovation can play significant role to meet future needs. Israel's position as an agro-tech innovation, who develops cutting-edge solutions for food production in the face of climate change can play a major part in this regional challenge.
How Arab-Israeli Détente fosters new collaborative endeavors
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was entered into force in April last year, between the UAE and Israel, is expected to assist in increasing food security by supporting regional supply chain. According to Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s minister of state for foreign trade, “The UAE-Israel CEPA will help facilitate global supply chain efficiency, including for agriculture and food products, which would have an impact on food security.”
Morocco and Israel also signed an agricultural cooperation agreement in October 2023. "The declaration of intent on agricultural cooperation between Israel and Morocco is a significant step in our plan to expand Israel's and Morocco's international food security network," said Dichter, Israel Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development emphasising the importance of the collaboration.
At the same time, The N7 Initiative which comprise Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formed with the goal of broadening and deepening regional integration between Israel and its Arab and Muslim neighbours.
The N7 Conference on Agriculture, Water, and Food Security—which was conducted in Abu Dhabi on March last year and convened professional industry and government experts from Israel and Arab states to produce actionable recommendations on regional agriculture, water and food security challenges and to deliver tangible benefits to their people.
They were joined by attendees from Indonesia, Tunisia and Burkina Faso, extending far beyond the MENA region, and also included Palestinian participation. The challenges of desert agriculture, water scarcity and food insecurity are problems that are common, and a critical to ensure all this countries’ future growth and prosperity.
The nexus between Food Security and regional prosperity
The potential to promote food security in the region extends far beyond dietary needs. There is a significant link between food security and prosperity. Food security not only helps to combat hunger, but it can also boost economic rowth, educational attainment, and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
First and foremost, food security is critical to regional and national economic growth. People who have access to adequate and nutritious food are healthier and more productive, which can boost economic activity and growth. Therefore, improving health outcomes requires addressing issues related to food security.
Third, there is a strong correlation between food security and education, especially for young people. Hunger and malnutrition can hinder academic achievement and cognitive development.
According to a recent study, persistent and severe food insecurity was associated with lower test scores and fewer years of education.
Navigating future trajectories
As tensions rise in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Middle East's already fragile political landscape becomes even more unstable, exacerbating humanitarian crises and endangering millions of lives. In times of conflict and uncertainty, the value of strong food security cooperation is highlighted.
Addressing the pressing issue of food security is not only a humanitarian imperative, but also a necessary step towards long-term development and peace in the region. In the midst of turmoil, stakeholders both on the government and the business sector can plant the seeds, and plan a better future in the Middle East by focusing on food security cooperation.
The UAE, as a pioneer in advanced technology adoption, and Israel, as a major hub for AgriFood Technology development, have the potential to play critical leadership roles in driving positive change in the MENA region.
Sources :
Argaw, Thomas Lemma, et al. (2023) "Children’s educaConal outcomes and persistence and severity of household food insecurity in India: Longitudinal evidence from Young Lives." The Journal of NutriCon 153.4 (2023).
Fernandes, M., & Samputra, P. L. (2022). “Exploring linkages between food security and economic growth: a SystemaCc mapping literature review.” Potravinarstvo Slovak Journal of Food Sciences 16: 206-218.
The World Bank. (2023). Climate-Smart Agriculture.
Joyce, Tom. (2023, September 6). “UAE says deal with Israel good for food security.” Eurofruit.
Kalifungwa, Lennox. (2023, October 2).” Israeli and Moroccan ministers sign agreement to boost agricultural cooperaCon.” Zenger News.
Holleis, Jennifer. (2024, January 31). “Israelis, PalesCnians, and Arabs join forces to tackle climate change.” DW News.
