The Neglected Child of the Economy: Agricultural Sector and Its Future in the Middle East

Abstract

Purpose: We are exploring the topics of food security and agricultural production by taking a closer look at the Middle East region. Design/Methodology/Approach: We will examine the vulnerabilities in the agricultural sector and food security in Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey. Findings: Starting in the 1980s, the shift to liberalism on economic thinking has transformed the international economic relationships, trade and individual policies. Liberalization of international trade created import-dependency in some foodstuffs and agricultural inputs. The lack of agricultural production to cover for the demand, the fragility of the Egyptian economy to afford the import of demanded food supply and political instabilities that brings inefficient government policies for agriculture cause Egypt’s food insecurity problems. Lebanon’s agricultural production deficits due to geographical, climatic constraints, economic crisis, unplanned urbanization, inefficient agricultural policies create food insecurity problems. In Turkey, the privatizations of agricultural organizations, the decreased amount of support and education given to farmers, inefficient government policies lead to agricultural sector not performing at its maximum potential. Considering the rough period the World is going through with a pandemic and the continuing effects of climate change, the risk of food insecurity, food production shortages in Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey is very high and it should be addressed by the governments with proper, effective policy changes and interventions. Originality/Value: In this article, our main purpose is to draw attention to food security, which is becoming an important problem especially in the Middle East, by comparing agricultural sectors in Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey.