Food security and sustainable agriculture :The road to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 in North Africa

Abstract

North Africa faces significant challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger) due to food import dependence, water scarcity, climate change, and external shocks like the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite having the highest SDG Index score among African subregions, North Africa struggles with rising food insecurity, low agricultural investment, and volatile food prices. The prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity increased from 26.4% in 2015 to 34% in 2021, while public spending on agriculture remains insufficient. To enhance food security and sustainable agriculture, the report recommends boosting domestic production, improving supply chain resilience, adopting water-efficient technologies, and fostering regional trade. Countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia have implemented innovative practices, but greater policy reforms and subregional cooperation are needed to achieve SDG 2 by 2030.