Food and Water Security in the Arab World and Sudan: Status and Threats

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 fro m various sources. Results obtained indicated that food consumption gap in the Arab World increased by 24% in 2010 co mpared to 1973. Results obtained indicated that the per capita available water in the Arab World decreased from 3430 m 3 in 1960 to 1250m 3 in 2000 to 876 m 3 in 2010. A further decline in per capita available water to 667m 3 in 2025 and 500m 3 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 3 .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 rat io of cereals in Sudan was less than 100% for most of the seasons during the period 1986/87-2006/ 07 indicat ing 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 co mparat ive advantage resulted in low wheat self-sufficiency ratio during the period 1986/87-2007/ 08. Th is lo w self -sufficiency rat io 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 fro m exports of Agricultural sector. Results obtained indicated that water productivity of Sorghu m, 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 pro jects. Develop ment of along-termwater and food production plan for the Arab countries based on the principles of cooperation and equitable distribution is highly reco mmended.