Hunger in the Arab region worsened in 2023, with 66.1 million people—14% of the population—facing hunger, according to a new United Nations (UN) report. The study, released by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, and ESCWA, warns that the region is off-track to meet food security and nutrition targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The report, titled “2024 Near East and North Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition,” reveals a bleak picture:
- 39.4% of the Arab region’s population—186.5 million people—experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023.
- 72.7 million people suffered from severe food insecurity.
- Undernourishment in conflict-affected countries skyrocketed to 26.4%, compared to just 6.6% in non-conflict areas.
Rising food prices, climate extremes, and ongoing conflicts are identified as the primary drivers of this worsening crisis. Persistent droughts across the region further exacerbate the problem. Projections show deteriorating food security and nutrition indicators in the coming years.
ECONOMIC BARRIERS TO HEALTHY DIETS
Economic access to healthy diets remains a significant challenge for millions facing hunger. In 2022, 151.3 million people in the Arab region—over one-third of the population—not afford a healthy diet.
- Conflict-affected countries saw the highest rates, with 41.2% of their populations not able to afford nutritious food.
- This disparity underscores the region’s vulnerability to economic shocks and income inequality.
TRIPLE BURDEN OF MALNUTRITION
The Arab region continues to struggle with a “triple burden” of malnutrition:
- Undernutrition:
- Stunting among children decreased from 28.0% in 2000 to 19.9% in 2022, yet remains a challenge.
- Wasting rates exceeded global averages, hitting 14.6% in low-income countries.
- Micronutrient Deficiencies:
- Anaemia affects 33.2% of women aged 15 to 49, with rates as high as 43.9% in low-income countries.
- Obesity:
- Adult obesity rates in 2022 stood at a staggering 32.1%, more than double the global average.
- Overweight prevalence among children under five reached 9.5%, nearly double the global rate.
- Egypt, Qatar, and Kuwait reported the highest country-specific obesity rates.
TRANSFORMING AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS: A CALL TO ACTION
The report emphasizes the urgent need to transform agrifood systems to address these challenges and achieve SDG 2: Zero Hunger. The 2024 report highlights innovative financing mechanisms as critical to bridging funding gaps and promoting sustainable food systems. Suggested solutions include:
- Capital guarantees
- Results-based financing
- Climate financing
- Debt swaps
- Advanced market commitments
- Innovation incubators
Tailoring these mechanisms to country-specific needs and aligning stakeholder objectives are essential for success.
“CAIRO DECLARATION” ON AGRIFOOD TRANSFORMATION
UN agencies launched the report. They introduced the “Cairo Declaration on Financing Agrifood Systems Transformation in the Near East and North Africa Region.” This declaration solidifies a commitment to:
- Deepen collaboration among international organizations, development banks, the private sector, and national governments.
- Scale up financial resources to support agrifood system transformations and reduce hunger.
- Launch collaborative financing platforms to drive progress toward achieving SDG 2.
PATH FORWARD FOR FOOD SECURITY IN THE ARAB REGION
The findings of the 2024 NENA Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition offer a roadmap for tackling hunger and malnutrition. Transforming agrifood systems will require innovative solutions. It will also need greater collaboration and targeted investments. These elements are essential to create sustainable, resilient, and inclusive systems for the region.
FAO Assistant Director-General Abdulhakim Elwaer highlights the importance of innovative financial instruments. These tools are crucial for transforming agrifood systems in the Arab States. They also play a role in closing the funding gap and addressing hunger.