This study examines the key drivers of food and nutrition insecurity in ten emergency-affected countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region: Afghanistan, Djibouti, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine (Gaza Strip), Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The research highlights the severe food insecurity levels, with many nations reaching Phase 3 or above in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
Findings show that conflict, political instability, climate change, and socioeconomic conditions are the primary causes of food insecurity, disrupting agricultural activities and food supply chains. Afghanistan and Yemen had the highest food insecurity rates in 2020 (42% and 45%), while by 2024, Gaza (93%) and Sudan (54%) faced the most severe crises. The study recommends multisectoral approaches, conflict resolution strategies, and climate-smart agriculture to enhance food security in these regions.
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