At the end of 2010, the Arab Awakening began, in part, because of high and volatile food prices, persistent poverty, and hunger in many parts of the region. The Arab world has seen much political change since and now faces an important turning point. The sense of urgency to implement lasting positive change in the region is great, and policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners are coming together to tackle the region’s food security challenges, among other issues.

Last week, I participated in the “Food Secure Arab World” conference—co-organized by IFPRI and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia— in Beirut. It was one of the largest events on food security the region has seen, with more than 200 participants. Through active discussion, participants and presenters identified the following actions as priorities for policymaking.

• Scale up targeted social protection with strong links to nutrition and health and long-term productivity growth.
• Boost agricultural productivity sustainably by expanding investments in rural infrastructure and agricultural research and development.
• Ensure efficiency in and access to markets and rural finance.
• Promote regional trade and grain reserves.

These action areas mean that food policy research in the Arab world needs to focus on:

• improving data, information, and knowledge sharing;
• linking agriculture to nutrition and health outcomes;
• supporting the establishment of regional grain reserves;
• enhancing governance and institutions; and
• building each country’s capacity in addition to a smart partnership network.

The strategic directions and necessary collaboration discussed at the conference will help IFPRI revamp its institutional strategy, which is currently being updated, with these new insights on the Arab world in mind. The “Food Secure Arab World” conference enhanced IFPRI’s partnerships, and leaders of the new CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions and Markets solicited feedback on the program’s research priorities.

It is my hope that through this conference and the partnerships that emerge, IFPRI will substantially scale up its activities in the Arab world.

Tags: agriculture, Beirut, food security, United Nations
Posted in Events