The UAE scored first in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area on the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) 2022, published by Economist Impact, up from third place in the region for the year 2021, according to information provided by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
The UAE placed first among MENA nations in the index’s overall food security index and food availability indicator, second in food quality and safety, and fifth in both affordability and food sustainability and adaptability.
With the goal of ensuring food security in all situations, the comprehensive National Food Security Strategy 2051 aims to create sustainable food systems by utilising modern technologies, encouraging local production, forming international alliances to diversify food sources, and enacting laws and policies that enhance nutrition and lower food waste.
The goal of the plan is to elevate the UAE’s position in terms of global indices of food security and make the nation a centre for innovation-based food security. Almheiri noted that enhancing local production capacities, encouraging investment and entrepreneurship in the food industry, and promoting the use of sustainable farming practises are all part of the measures to ensure food security.
She outlined the steps that must be taken to achieve this, including enhancing international collaboration, diversifying the sources of food imports, raising foreign agricultural investment, and monitoring import markets to ensure adherence to the strictest international standards for food safety. In terms of availability of food, the UAE placed seventh globally, 16th in terms of food safety and quality, and 23rd overall in terms of food security.
In August 2021, MOCCAE and Emirates Development Bank (EDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to explore creative financing options to boost entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector based on the application of cutting-edge technology and sustainable systems.
