The Problem of Food Security for the Countries of the Middle East and Its Socioeconomic Dimension

Abstract

The article deals with the actuality of the problem of food security, the complex nature of the problem is substantiated. It is confirmed that food security is connected with human right to food; therefore it should be supported by international organizations and countries. The state of food security, formation of which was affected by changes both in the global and regional context, was analyzed. The state of food security in the countries of the Middle East was studied through the prism of threats to food security that occurred against the background of demographic, climatic and security challenges. The relationship between food security and socioeconomic processes was clarified. The influence of insufficient productivity of agricultural sector, land degradation, limited access to water resources, conflicts, demographic and social factors on the state of food security in the region was analyzed. The role of supporting agricultural sector at the level of international organizations to increase the level of food security is ascertained. The main types of support for the development of agriculture were analyzed using OECD indicators and their evaluation was carried out for some countries in the Middle East. Measures to improve food security in the region that take in account attracting funds and implementing special programs were considered on the example of Turkey. Recommendations for improving agricultural policy, developing infrastructure, supporting agriculture and promoting innovative approaches to ensure food security in the region were suggested.

Keywords

• food security
• middle east countries
• global instability
• sustainable development goals
• covid-19 pandemic
• geopolitical risks
• right to food
• access to water resources
• land degradation
• rural development
• agricultural production.