ABU DHABI // Boosting crop productivity and raising irrigation efficiency are among the options a report has outlined to improve Arab countries’ ability to produce enough food for themselves.
Countries could also make better use of water by farming high-value crops and using irrigation techniques that minimise water usage, according to the report by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development, entitled Arab Environment: Food Security.
Wastewater, for instance, remained largely untapped by regional farmers.
In 2012, the region lost 6.6 million tonnes of grains and 3.3 million tonnes of wheat because of poor import logistics.
The report said regional cooperation would help to ensure an effective farming approach by harmonising national agricultural strategies and policies, and increasing investment in science, technology and agricultural development.
Countries in the region are almost self-sufficient in terms of fishing needs, but they are meeting only about 25 per cent of meat demand, with imports, which are expected to increase, providing the balance.
The report also advises countries to adopt an integrated approach to food security, and to develop responses to the potential threat of climate change to regional food security.
In addition, it called for a shift towards less water-thirsty and more nutritive crops, which would require changes in food consumption habits.
The next report will be released inOctober in Abu Dhabi.
cmalek@thenational.ae
