The International food security expert, Dr. Fadel ELZUBI, stated that the Arab region is witnessing unprecedented levels of food insecurity, with hunger rates varying between countries in a way that reflects the scale of political, economic, and climate crises.
He added that in Yemen, more than half of households suffer from difficulty obtaining sufficient food, while more than 25 million people in Sudan live in a food crisis or worse. In Palestine, the crisis has peaked with about 86% of the population suffering from acute food insecurity. Meanwhile, two-thirds of Syrians need urgent food assistance. In Egypt, about 33 million citizens face food insecurity, a number that reflects the scale of economic and social pressures.
He explained that Arab countries are distributed among three main categories. The first includes Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Palestine, and Syria, where the proportion of affected people exceeds 50 to 60% of the population. The second category, which includes Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco, has food insecurity rates ranging between 25% and 40%. In contrast, Gulf countries record much lower rates, with those affected not exceeding 10 to 15% of the population, thanks to abundant resources and government support.
He clarified that the roots of the crisis lie in a set of intertwined factors. Armed conflicts remain the primary driver of food insecurity, while economic crises have led to decreased purchasing power and rising food prices. Climate change exacerbates the problem through droughts and water scarcity, especially in Jordan, Iraq, and North Africa. Weak local production and heavy reliance on imports widen the production gap and make countries more vulnerable to global fluctuations.
He said that addressing these challenges requires balanced policies that combine urgent response with long-term reforms. Among the proposed measures are protecting vulnerable groups through social protection programs and temporary tax exemptions, alongside coordinating fiscal and monetary policies to regulate markets and enhance economic stability.
He added that strengthening strategic food reserves and improving market transparency are among the necessary structural reforms, as is investing in strong agricultural information systems to reduce price fluctuations and prevent speculation. Furthermore, developing more resilient food systems through scientific research, infrastructure, improved productivity, and supply chains is essential.
He continued, stating that the crisis is not only local but also reflects part of a grim global reality. Recent estimates indicate that between 638 and 720 million people faced hunger in 2024, representing 7.8% to 8.8% of the world’s population. Additionally, about 2.3 billion people suffered from moderate or severe food insecurity, representing 28% of the global population. He explained that these numbers confirm that the rise in staple food prices between 2019 and 2024 placed additional pressure on low-income households. This necessitates a mix of policies that balance protecting vulnerable groups with promoting long-term structural and trade reforms, alongside investing in more resilient agricultural food systems capable of withstanding future inflation waves.