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Key lessons learned from food insecurity during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Arab countries

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the main drivers of food insecurity in five understudied Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region (Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Sudan, and Morocco) during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Unlike previous studies, this article explains the lessons learned from the pandemic to inform appropriate responses to any future crises. The study used the Combined COVID‐19 MENA Monitor Household Survey (CCMMHH), compiled by the Economic Research Forum in 2020–21. To determine the key factors affecting food insecurity, multivariate regression with fixed effects for waves and administrative zones was employed to capture the unobservable factors. Permanent and temporary loss of jobs and decrease in wages were identified as significant independent risk factors for experiencing food insecurity. Work characteristics played a significant role in shaping food security in the surveyed Arab countries. The pandemic has highlighted the social groups whose food security must be protected to achieve economic stability in light of such crises.

Source: Economic Affairs

DOI: 10.1111/ecaf.12683

Authors: Suzan Abdel‐Rahman, Mohamed R Abonazel

Institution: Cairo University

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, No poverty, Zero hunger, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,900