Hunger in the Near East and North Africa region (NENA) continues to rise as conflicts and protracted crises have spread and worsened since 2011, threatening the region's efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including Zero Hunger. The Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition in the Near East and North Africa, published today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), indicates that 52 million people in the region are suffering from chronic undernourishment. "Conflicts and civil instability have long-lasting impacts on the food and nutrition security of both affected and surrounding countries in the regions," said Abdessalam Ould Ahmed, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa "The impact of conflict has been disrupting food and livestock production in some countries and consequently affecting the availability of food across the region," he added.
