Although most of the Arabic speaking African countries have made impressive progress in their economic growth over the last three decades their food security remains insecure. Economic reform programmes encouraging more efficient use of resources by removing structural imbalances in national economies have occurred within a framework lacking policies and institutions to monitor and protect the environment. Moreover, in many instances, low income groups face increasing poverty and precarious food security levels. They are then compelled to over-exploit their limited resource base, which is causing increasing environmental degradation. The key question for the Arabic speaking African countries is whether current policy frameworks for water use and land use will lead to the achievement of the sub-region's food security objectives.
Food security is a priority issue.
It will be achieved by enhancing economic growth, sustainably managing agriculture and the land and water resources on which it depends, and managing population growth to reduce the pressures on limited resources. Current policy frameworks in the sub-region fail to promote more efficient measures for sustainably managing scarce water and agricultural land. This represents a fundamental constraint to accelerated economic growth. Although some countries have started to introduce concepts of integrated water and land management the institutional capacity and popular participation necessary to avoid conflicts and adverse economic and social impacts during the adjustment process need strengthening. Urban and industrial pollution and increased agricultural run-off, as well as being serious health hazards, are contributing to deteriorating water and land quality and compounding water scarcity and desertification.