Blog Post

Food Security in North Africa

A new report from the African Development Bank (AfDB) examines the food security situation and needs of North Africa. The Political Economy of Food Security in North Africa finds that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the world's largest importer of cereals, with dependence on food imports expected to increase by 2050 due to a burgeoning population, decreasing agricultural productivity, and rising incomes. Recent trends suggest that governments in the region are becoming less willing to remain food import-dependent and are instead focusing on becoming "food sovereign" - a concept that will allow nation states to exert greater power over their food sources and adopt strategies that mitigate the impact of global market forces.

The report explores North Africa's current food security status and examines the impact of the 2007-2008 food crisis on the region. It also investigates both short- and long-term options for responding to such food crises and for achieving food sovereignty in the region. The paper concludes by calling for renewed attention to inclusive pro-poor policies that will boost agricultural productivity, strengthen social safety nets, and create effective governmental institutions to address national and regional food security needs.