UAE is putting in building blocks towards its food security program

UAE is putting in building blocks towards its food security program

Once recognised as an emerging theme, ‘food security’ has become a central one, globally. The global food crisis has worsened following a rise in food trade restrictions driven by countries’ ambitions to increase local supply and reduce prices. With more than 200 million people worldwide at risk of facing acute food insecurity, the World Bank, along with Group of Seven (G7) nations, have ramped up commitments to finance projects. Based on a framework of four key themes, the projects set out to boost food and nutrition security and strengthen food systems, in addition to reducing risks surrounding them. Whilst the Bank’s commitments through the past year exceeded $12 billion, pressures surrounding global trade routes and rampant inflation - alongside worsening climate change - have begged the questions: are these efforts sustainable. And are there alternatives? In the UAE, the National Food Security Strategy 2051 is making strides with the nation targeting ‘zero hunger’, aiming to implement resilient agricultural practices that are efficient and sustainable. In fact, the Emirates has ranked first in the MENA region on the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) 2022, with aspirations to top the list globally by 2051. Sustainability, an emerging theme and in the Emirates,