Arabic Countries & hunger level

From 2008 to 2024, Mauritania has made considerable progress in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, clean energy, and climate action. However, challenges such as food insecurity, limited access to clean water, and uneven economic growth continue to hinder full achievement of the SDGs. Through continued collaboration with international organizations and a focus on building resilient infrastructure, Mauritania remains committed to aligning its national strategies with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Written By Dr Wassef Y. EL ABED

Hunger and Homelessness in Arab Countries: Challenges of Reality and Future Prospects

Many Arab countries face significant challenges related to hunger and homelessness, which stem from a variety of economic, social, and political factors. Despite the vast natural resources possessed by some Arab nations, large segments of the population still suffer from extreme poverty, leading to hunger and homelessness.

Hunger in Arab Countries

Hunger is one of the most prominent manifestations of poverty in Arab nations, where millions experience food shortages and malnutrition. In countries affected by wars and conflicts like Yemen, Syria, and Sudan, the humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by ongoing armed conflicts, which destroy infrastructure, cut off livelihoods, and collapse food systems. According to UN reports, millions are at risk of famine in these countries, where adequate food supplies are not available to meet the population’s needs.

In relatively stable countries, poverty and hunger remain significant issues. High unemployment rates, low wages, and rising living costs make it a daily challenge for low-income families to access healthy and balanced food. Food insecurity has serious consequences on individual health, especially for children, leading to physical and mental growth deficiencies.

Homelessness in the Arab World

Homelessness is a growing social problem in many Arab countries, where the number of people living without shelter is increasing due to conflicts, poverty, or natural disasters. In countries like Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen, ongoing conflicts have displaced millions from their homes, leaving behind their belongings and resources. These displaced individuals live in harsh conditions in camps that lack the basic necessities of dignified living, such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.

In countries facing severe economic issues, such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia, rising housing costs, unemployment, and the lack of stable job opportunities drive many families and individuals into homelessness. These people live on the streets of major cities or in informal settlements that lack basic services.

Causes and Challenges

The main causes of hunger and homelessness in Arab countries include various factors:

Wars and Armed Conflicts: Internal and regional conflicts in several Arab nations are the primary cause of worsening hunger and homelessness. These conflicts destroy local economies and create chaos, preventing humanitarian and food aid from reaching those in need.
Economic Crises: Many Arab countries are suffering from severe economic crises due to mismanagement, corruption, or reliance on non-renewable resource-based economies. These crises lead to job losses and a decline in living standards, severely impacting poor families.
Climate Change and Natural Disasters: Many regions in the Arab world experience prolonged droughts or floods, leading to crop shortages and loss of livelihoods.
Lack of Effective Social Systems: In some countries, there are insufficient social safety nets to support the most vulnerable groups, making the fight against poverty, hunger, and homelessness a continuous challenge.

Efforts and Proposed Solutions

Many international and regional organizations, alongside Arab governments, are working to address these issues through humanitarian aid programs and developmental projects aimed at improving the living conditions of affected communities. These efforts include:

Providing food aid to areas affected by conflicts and disasters.
Resettlement programs and providing shelters for displaced persons and refugees.
Enhancing agricultural systems and improving food security by supporting sustainable agriculture.
Creating job opportunities through training and preparing youth for the labor market.

Conclusion

Hunger and homelessness in Arab countries present significant challenges that require serious cooperation from governments, international organizations, and civil society. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive policies that aim to tackle the deep roots of poverty and unemployment, and to provide sustainable solutions that allow communities to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope for a better future.

Written By Dr Wassef Y. EL ABED