Abu Dhabi forum to discuss strategy to tackle MENA region’s food challenges

Abu Dhabi / WAM

Abu Dhabi is set to play a leading role in coordinating efforts to meet the pressures of feeding 520 million people by 2030, by hosting MENA Food Production 2030, which will take place on March 20 and 21during the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA) and will drive a critical dialogue between government, food producers, scientists and investors to establish secure, sustainable and profitable food production systems.
Nicola Davison, Event Director at Turret Media, said, “The hosting of these important international events in Abu Dhabi underlines the commitment of the UAE to drive a dialogue on food security and climate resilience.”
She added, “Increasing levels of food production without exacerbating climate change and environmental damage requires a radical shake-up of the region’s entire food system. We live in a water-constrained region and we must use these forums to enhance our contribution to the development and implementation of smart
solutions for sustainable food
production.”
In the Middle East and North Africa region, the challenge of feeding a growing population is particularly complex.
The highest rate of population growth worldwide and a rapidly growing urban population adopting Western diets, places enormous pressures on the environment and finite resources such as fresh water and fertile land.
During the conference, speakers from around the world will be tackling five key challenges: climate-resilient crops, growing the aquaculture industry, future-proofing animal health, smallholder farmer development, and sustainable animal production.
GFIA will also feature an exhibition hosting some 250 companies, and an Innovations Programme, showcasing a series of 15-minute talks from start-up companies who think they have a next-generation solution that could shape the future of farming around the world.