U.N. banks on private sector to transform Middle East agri-food systems to end hunger, malnutrition

U.N. banks on private sector to transform Middle East agri-food systems to end hunger, malnutrition

Enhanced engagement of the private sector can transform agri-food systems to meet the Sustainable Development Goals in the Middle East to end hunger and malnutrition, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The 18 countries of the FAO’s Near East and North Africa focus region are up against significant challenges directly linked to how food is produced, processed, distributed and consumed, resulting in obesity, hunger and malnutrition, according to the U.N. agency.

"The private sector is a driving force to boost markets, consumers and farmers,” said the FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu during a regional dialogue last week.