Food security concerns on the agenda at upcoming Abu Dhabi event

Arab countries must tackle the ever-increasing gaps in their food production, the summit will hear.

ABU DHABI // Arab countries are expected to spend over Dh550 billion on food imports each year by 2050 if countries fail to address gaps in their food production, according to a recent Arab Forum for Environment and Development report.

The report shows that, as of 2011, Arab countries spent over Dh205 billion annually importing food as a solution to their resource management problems.

Findings from the report will be explored by leading policymakers, industry executives and government officials at the upcoming International Water Summit, where more than 70 global experts will discuss water sustainability and security challenges in the region next week.

“Managing water resources is one of the biggest challenges facing arid regions,” said Najib Saab, Arab Forum for Environment and Development secretary-general said.

“Irrigation efficiency and water productivity need to be boosted to ensure food security for the Arab countries. A radical shift is necessary toward crops that are less water-intensive, even if this means changing dietary habits.”

Mr Saab introduced, as an example, the challenge that Egypt will have in feeding its growing population in a country with poor infrastructure and agricultural management.

“In 30 years time, Egypt might not have enough water to produce sufficient rice for its people if we do not introduce new crop varieties. IWS plays a crucial role in bringing together experts, policymakers and the corporate sector together to exchange ideas and propose action on these vital issues,” said Mr Saab.

“Our report emphasises the need for effective public-private partnerships across the whole range of agricultural production to close the ‘food gap’ that threatens Arab countries,” said Mr Saab, who will take part on an IWS panel to discuss strategies for improving water sustainability in arid regions.

The IWS conference will take place as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, ADSW, a yearly platform that addresses the challenges of energy and water security, climate risk and sustainable development.

He said that the AFED report found that Arab countries can significantly enhance the prospects of food security through efficient management and investment in both the water and agriculture sectors, combined with regional cooperation and improvement in trade and investment.

With 2015 designated as the UAE’s “Year of Innovation,” IWS goal is to establish itself as a scientific and intellectual institution by providing a global platform for promoting water sustainability in arid regions.

In addition to IWS, ADSW also features the eighth World Future Energy Summit, the second edition of EcoWASTE, and the seventh Zayed Future Energy Prize award ceremony.