In the Arab region, food systems are failing to ensure universal access to safe and nutritious food, and to do so in a sustainable and inclusive manner. As of 2021, undernourishment affected 54.7 million people, with one in three women suffering from anaemia and one in five children suffering from stunting. In recent years, the region has faced multiple, interconnected crises—including violent conflicts, displacement, economic instability, and the impacts of climate change—all of which have significantly undermined food security and environmental sustainability, thereby weakening the resilience of food systems.
One of the key environmental aspects for Arab food systems are scarce fertile soils and water, threatened by overuse and the effects of climate change. Over 90% of the land is arid, with limited rainfall, and 73% of arable land is affected by land degradation. Rising temperatures are projected to reduce agricultural yields by 30%. Additionally, 56.6% of farmlands rely on erratic rainfall, leading to overuse and depletion of groundwater resources.
Co organized by Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), UNEP, ESCWA, and FAO, this event will call upon countries to incorporate environmental aspects such as land degradation and desertification into national Food Systems pathways and food security strategies. In addition, this event will highlight the importance of promoting inclusivity and ensuring the participation of all segments of society in environmental preservation and the transformation of food systems.
