Food Supply Security in the MENA Region: Analysis of Environmental, Economic, and Socio-Political Vulnerabilities

Yıl 2025, Sayı: Özel Sayı 3, 1 - 24, 31.12.2025

Kadriye Eylem Özkaya-Lassalle , Rengin Ak

https://doi.org/10.33203/mfy.1837045

Öz

The MENA region faces a multilayered food supply security challenge shaped by natural resource scarcity, high import dependency, climate change, rapid population growth, socioeconomic inequalities, and persistent political instability. Global shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war have further exposed the fragility of the region’s import-dependent food systems. This study systematically reviews recent academic literature to understand the structural dynamics undermining food supply security in MENA and evaluates policy approaches within a holistic analytical framework. The findings show that food security is not only an economic or environmental issue, but also a deeply human one that directly affects social well-being and stability. Ultimately, diversifying import sources, investing in climate-resilient agricultural technologies, improving water management, and strengthening social protection systems emerge as key policy priorities for enhancing the region’s long-term resilience.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Climate change , food supply security , import dependency , MENA region

Mena Bölgesinde Gıda Arzı Güvenliği: Çevresel, Ekonomik ve Sosyo-Politik Kırılganlıkların Analizi

Öz

MENA bölgesi, doğal kaynak kıtlığı, yüksek ithalat bağımlılığı, iklim değişikliği, hızlı nüfus artışı, sosyoekonomik eşitsizlikler ve siyasi istikrarsızlığın iç içe geçtiği çok katmanlı bir gıda arzı güvenliği sorunuyla karşı karşıyadır. COVID-19 pandemisi ve Rusya-Ukrayna savaşı gibi küresel şoklar, bölgenin dışa bağımlı gıda sistemlerinin ne kadar kırılgan olduğunu daha görünür hâle getirmiştir. Bu çalışma, MENA’da gıda arzı güvenliğini zayıflatan yapısal dinamikleri anlamak amacıyla güncel akademik literatürü sistematik biçimde incelemekte ve politika yaklaşımlarını bütüncül bir çerçevede değerlendirmektedir. Bulgular, gıda güvenliğinin yalnızca ekonomik ya da çevresel bir konu değil, aynı zamanda toplumsal refahı ve istikrarı doğrudan etkileyen insani bir mesele olduğunu göstermektedir. Sonuç olarak, ithalatın çeşitlendirilmesi, iklim uyumlu tarımsal teknolojilere yatırım, daha etkin su yönetimi ve güçlü sosyal koruma ağları, bölgenin uzun vadeli dayanıklılığını güçlendirecek temel politika öncelikleri olarak öne çıkmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

ithalat bağımlılığı , Gıda arzı güvenliği , iklim değişikliği , MENA Bölgesi.

Kaynakça

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