The Middle East faces significant challenges in achieving food security, with heavy reliance on imports that leave the region’s economies vulnerable to international supply chain disruptions and commodity price shocks. Local production, however, contributes only around a half of the food consumption by value and a small fraction of caloric needs. These challenges are compounded by water scarcity, a long existing problem in the region exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. Particularly hard hit are vulnerable groups, including refugees and displaced populations living with high levels of poverty, and farming communities already dealing with the effects of climate stress on their livelihoods.

Achieving food security in the Middle East requires a transition to a more resilient and competitive domestic food sector, facilitated by a supportive regulatory environment and increased private investment that also supports the need of smallholder farmers. Regional coordination will be essential to address shared food security risks collectively, by optimising food trade based on comparative advantage and sharing opportunities to maximise resource efficiency. The conventional production methods that predominate in the region are an obstacle to progress, highlighting the need to embrace transformative digital technologies, such as AI and precision farming to boost productivity, reduce carbon emissions and streamline supply chains. Bridging the information gap, however, remains a challenge, requiring efforts to improve data utilisation across the agricultural value chain.

Join us for this webinar discussion, hosted by the Financial Times and IFC, will explore the role that investors can play in increasing investment to bolster food security in the Middle East.

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