Wheat and food security in the Arab region

Wheat is an important agricultural commodity in the Arab region. It is widely cultivated and is the most traded crop in the region. It also plays a major role in ensuring food security given that it is a major source of calories and proteins and that millions of people depend on it for their livelihood. However, degrading and depleting natural resources, namely, land and water, combined with the potential impacts of climate change are major risk factors that threaten sustainable production. At the same time, the high population growth and rapidly changing lifestyles and diets are leading to growing demand for wheat. This increasing demand for wheat is not only an Arab phenomenon; rather it is a worldwide occurrence indicating, therefore, that ensuring wheat availability will remain at the top of the regional agenda for the foreseeable future.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Zero Hunger