Events

OCP Policy Center, Rabat

By Ghada Ahmed, Senior Research analyst, Duke University, Center on Globalization, Governance and Competitiveness.

Food security is a central issue for developing countries, particularly those of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In this region, wheat is a very important and strategic commodity component. More than a pillar of food security, wheat is also a pillar of economic and social stability. 

In a national and international context, characterized by regular supply shocks and growth in demand for this commodity, the domestic market of the latter is subject to relative state intervention. The states may have control over the management of food supplies of wheat, and beyond, and may extend to the entire value chain.

Indeed, national policies must guarantee, throughout the value chain, a decent income to actors of wheat production, while maintaining balanced consumer prices and stable supply to satisfy the four dimensions of food security. In addition, these strategies may vary from one country to another depending on: local production capacity, storage, food diversification, among others. To achieve these objectives, decision-makers should craft adequate policies, taking into consideration ground realities.

In this regard, the Center on Globalization, Governance and Competitiveness (CGGC, Duke University) has a research project on food security policies and the global food value chain in the MENA region. The presentation host by OCP Policy Center will focus on the results of that research and discuss further elements.