FAO Warns Middle East War Could Push 5 Million More Arabs into Poverty

FAO Warns Middle East War Could Push 5 Million More Arabs into Poverty
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The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East threatens to worsen economic and living conditions across the Arab region, potentially pushing around 5 million additional people into poverty and food insecurity in the coming months.

FAO reported that global food prices rose in March, driven by higher energy costs and shipping fees. The average Global Food Price Index reached 128.5 points, marking a 2.4% increase compared with February. While current price increases remain relatively moderate, FAO experts cautioned that prolonged conflict could force farmers to reduce production or limit agricultural inputs, potentially tightening global food supplies and pushing prices higher through this year and next.

The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) highlighted that low- and middle-income Arab countries are particularly vulnerable due to heavy reliance on imports and limited financial resources. A possible 20% rise in food prices could worsen living conditions, increase poverty, and heighten social instability.

The UN stressed that ongoing conflicts threaten both economic and humanitarian security, warning that failure to act quickly could deepen poverty, trigger social unrest, and undermine development and stability in the Arab world.