West Asian And The Middle East Commodity Market

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Review of food security in the Middle East - 4 million Syrians to starve

Predictions are based on the fact that this sector will have the possibility of developing employment in the region more than other industrial sectors due to the high share of the food industry in the household goods basket and on the other hand due to access to quality raw materials and cheap labor

Considering the importance of providing food and drink products in human survival, food industry in its general sense is one of the first industries in human history and is considered one of the basic industries

Water scarcity is a major concern in many Middle Eastern countries due to limited freshwater resources and high population densities. Agriculture, a significant consumer of water, faces challenges in sustaining crop production. Some countries have implemented innovative solutions such as water desalination, drip irrigation, and water recycling to address this issue. Several countries in the Middle east heavily rely on Food imports to meet their domestic food needs. This dependency poses vulnerabilities to global price fluctuations, trade disruptions, and supply chain disruptions, as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the importance of diversifying food sources and promoting local agricultural production.

Considering the importance of providing food and drink products in human survival, food industry in its general sense is one of the first industries in human history and is considered one of the basic industries. Population expansion, increase in public welfare, change in eating habits and lifestyle are among the most important factors affecting the growth of this industry at the global level after the technological revolution of the 21st century. In all countries of the world, the food industry has a significant impact on creating employment and added value, and the Middle East is no exception to this rule.

The food industry in West Asia, due to the climatic conditions, diversity and favorable quality of agriculture, has many importance and benefits and has had the highest contribution in creating employment in the countries of the region. Predictions are based on the fact that this sector will have the possibility of developing employment in the region more than other industrial sectors due to the high share of the food industry in the household goods basket and on the other hand due to access to quality raw materials and cheap labor. .

If the war disrupts the supply of wheat, the Arab world will suffer. Currently, the countries of the region are looking for alternatives so that they can import the wheat and grains they need from these countries. The war in Syria has caused 12.4 million Syrians to starve. And this was while this country was self-sufficient in terms of wheat until 2011, when it was attacked by ISIS. It has been said that the war in Ukraine will increase the number of hungry people in the countries of the Middle East region.

While access to food is a key component of food security, ensuring access to nutritious and diverse diets is equally important. Some countries in the region face challenges related to malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies and increasing rates of non-communicable diseases due to dietary changes and lifestyle factors. The Arab world, which has not yet been able to recover from the effects of the epidemic and severe droughts in several North African countries, is now facing the highest increase in product prices due to the war. According to what has been received from news sources, if the war continues, the problem of providing grain for the countries of West asia and North Africa will intensify because there is practically no alternative for providing grain in the short term.

The region's arid and semi-arid landscapes limit the availability of arable land for agriculture. Urbanization and desertification further reduce the amount of cultivable land. These land constraints make it challenging to expand agricultural production and increase self-sufficiency in food production. The Middle East is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These changes affect agricultural productivity, Livestock rearing, and overall food production. Adapting to climate change and implementing sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for ensuring food security.

Political conflicts, civil unrest, and displacement in various parts of the Middle East have disrupted agricultural activities, damaged infrastructure, and hindered access to food. These conflicts have led to food shortages, malnutrition, and food insecurity for affected populations. Resolving conflicts and promoting stability are essential for improving food security in the region. Food waste is a significant concern in the Middle East, with a considerable amount of food being lost at various stages of the supply chain, from production to consumption. Addressing food waste through improved storage, processing, and distribution systems can help reduce losses and improve overall food security.

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