2017 Global food policy report: Synopsis in Arabic

The global landscape of food security and nutrition is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by both encouraging progress and formidable challenges. The year 2016 witnessed a historic milestone as the number of individuals living in extreme poverty fell below 10 percent of the global population for the first time in modern history, accompanied by an anticipated reduction in the global rate of undernutrition to below 11 percent. These gains were bolstered by a fifth consecutive year of declining global food prices, coupled with the implementation of comprehensive national strategies aimed at reducing hunger and diversifying crop production.

Despite these positive indicators, significant uncertainties loom. Stagnant economic growth, persistent conflicts, and shifting political landscapes around the world pose a considerable threat to the momentum generated by the new sustainable development agenda. The risk of famine, particularly in vulnerable regions, remains a stark reality that demands urgent, collective action.

A central force reshaping the future of food security is rapid urbanization, especially pronounced in developing countries. More than half of humanity now resides in cities, a figure projected to rise to 66 percent by 2050, with the most substantial increases expected in Asia and Africa. This demographic shift fundamentally alters food systems, influencing diets, agricultural production, and the intricate web of agricultural value chains.

As urban populations swell, poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition are increasingly becoming city-centric problems. The "triple burden of malnutrition" - the alarming coexistence of hunger, undernutrition, and the rising tide of overweight and obesity - is accelerating in urban environments. The urban poor, particularly those living in burgeoning informal settlements, face severe health and nutrition challenges due to limited access to essential services such as healthcare, safe water, and sanitation.

To navigate these complex dynamics, a paradigm shift in policy and investment is essential. Strengthening the linkages between rural and urban areas is paramount. This necessitates significant investments in infrastructure, including quality rural roads, reliable electricity, adequate storage facilities, and advanced communication technologies. Such improvements are vital to efficiently connect rural smallholder farmers with expanding urban markets, creating mutual benefits for both producers and consumers.

Furthermore, the focus of agricultural and food policies must broaden beyond mere production. It is crucial to address the "missing middle" of the food value chain, encompassing processing, packaging, and retailing. Policies that foster growth and innovation in these sectors can unlock substantial employment opportunities and significantly reduce food waste. The informal markets, which play a critical role in providing affordable food to city dwellers, also require better governance and support to enhance urban food security.

The international community and individual nations demonstrated a renewed commitment to addressing these challenges in 2016. Pledges included a record US$75 billion replenishment for the International Development Association to aid the world's poorest, and over US$30 billion committed to African agriculture to boost production and incomes for smallholder farmers. On a national level, countries like the United States enacted legislation to support sustainable development goals, while China outlined plans for massive investments to enhance agricultural productivity and farm incomes.

Ultimately, to eradicate hunger and malnutrition effectively, policies and investments must explicitly consider the unique needs of poor urban populations. This requires better, more localized data on poverty and food security, alongside building expertise across the entire food value chain and fostering an improved business environment. The goal remains to forge food systems that are resilient, equitable, and capable of nourishing all people, regardless of where they reside.