Abstract
Emphasizing the importance of food and water security, this study aimed at studying and analysing food and water security situation in the Arab World with special emphasis on Sudan. The Study employed descriptive statistics using secondary data collected from various sources. Results obtained indicated that food consumption gap in the Arab World increased by 24% in 2010 compared to 1973. Results obtained indicated that the per capita available water in the Arab World decreased from 3430 m<SUP>3</SUP> in 1960 to 1250m<SUP>3</SUP> in 2000 to 876 m<SUP>3</SUP> in 2010. A further decline in per capita available water to 667m<SUP>3</SUP> in 2025 and 500m<SUP>3</SUP> in 2050 is expected. These figures reflects a threatening situation for water and food security in the Arab World during the current century bearing in mind that the water poverty line is estimated at 1000m<SUP>3</SUP>.The separation of Sudan into two countries has adversely affected the per capita available water in the democratic republic of Sudan. Results of the study proved that the self-sufficiency ratio of cereals in Sudan was less than 100% for most of the seasons during the period 1986/87-2006/07 indicating that production of cereal crops is below the consumption requirements of Sudanese people. The shift in consumption habits towards wheat in Sudan coupled with low comparative advantage resulted in low wheat self-sufficiency ratio during the period 1986/87-2007/08. This low self-sufficiency ratio in wheat gives an indication that the shortage in available food is mainly attributed to the significant consumption gap in wheat. Results indicated that wheat imports are real burden on Sudanese economy absorbing most of the foreign exchange generated from exports of Agricultural sector. Results obtained indicated that water productivity of Sorghum, Wheat and Groundnut grown in Gezira scheme in Sudan was very low compared to the average international water productivity. Based on the results of the study we recommend the allocation ofsubstantial financial resources to enhance food production, investment in water projects and efficient use of water with special consideration of health threats associated with the implementation of water projects. Development of along-termwater and food production plan for the Arab countries based on the principles of cooperation and equitable distribution is highly recommended.
Highlights
Food security is defined by[1] as access by all people at all times to enough food for an active and healthy life
Agriculture isthe highest userof the world'sfresh water. It is estimatedthat 70%o f the totalwater resourcesderived from lakes,waterwaysand aquifers is consumed by their rigation sector
Analysis of the current situation of food and water security reflects a threatening situation in Sudan and the Arab World during the current century
Summary
Food security is defined by[1] as access by all people at all times to enough food for an active and healthy life. Water resources sustainability is one of the important factors for food availability. A iming at raising the awareness of people for the importance of water as a valuable resource United Nations has declared 2nd of March as World Water day. According to[2] water security involves the sustainable use and protection of water systems, the protection against water related hazards (floods and droughts), the sustainable development of water resources and access to water services for hu mans and the environment. Water is considered as a scarce resource with limited and fixed quantity. Water constitutes 70% of earth area which is
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