Ukraine Conflict Threatens Global Supplies of Food, Says FAO's Elwaer

The Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Director Representative in the Near East and North Africa Abdel Hakim Elwaer indicated the conflict in Ukraine, which is one of the biggest exporters of wheat, has been threatening global supplies of food, as well as fertilizer, creating further pressure on prices and additional challenges to ensuring food security for the MENA region.

Asked about the impacts of the Ukraine conflict on food access and the food security situation, Elwaer answered: "The war in Ukraine has a negative impact on access to the food supplies chain. It also has a negative impact on the nutritional status of the most vulnerable groups, such as children, adolescents, girls, and women.

"Besides the ongoing war, the world is struggling to cope with several issues, such as climate change, water scarcity, and the shortage of land and water resources used in agricultural activities," he told Sada Elbald English (SEE).

As an example, the shortage of Nile water, the soil salinity, and water scarcity, in addition to urban expansion, are the main causes of food shortages in Egypt, which is cited as one of the key producers of citrus fruits worldwide, noted Elwaer.

"At this crucial time, we aim to support the region's states facing high levels of undernutrition and food insecurity."