The FAO Regional Overview of Food Insecurity in the Near East and North Africa noted that the deterioration is largely driven by the spreading and intensity of conflicts and protracted crises. “The region is facing unprecedented challenges to its food security due to multiple risks arising from conflicts, water scarcity and climate change. Beyond conflicts and crises, the report argues that water scarcity and climate change are the most fundamental challenges to ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030. Water scarcity is the binding factor to agricultural production in the Near East and North Africa region and the driver of the region’s dependency on food imports. Most of the impacts of climate change will affect water availability.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 26, 2017 16:18 UTC