This report covers Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. These countries in the Near East and North African (NENA) region are diverse in terms of natural features, including topography, climate, soil, vegetation, and populations and culture. Yet the countries have one thing in common – they are all located in the most land- and water-scarce region of the world. This FAO report, which provides the latest land and water resource statistics for the region, outlines important challenges that NENA as a whole is facing in the lead up to 2030 and beyond. 

The report outlines how recent drivers of land and water resource use are primarily the result of a rapid population increase that has occurred in the past 70 years. High population growth and urbanization aggravate already fragile resources, impacting available land and water resources.

Climate change projections do not provide a positive scenario for the NENA region, with higher temperatures and rainfall decrease generally predicted (although not in all areas), resulting in more drought and an increase in extreme events. Climate change vulnerability is high, with NENA ranked as the world’s most arid region. Despite the impacts that climate is having on farming systems, climate change does not yet receive adequate attention. Agriculture remains a significant pillar for economic development in many countries of the region, yet investment in agriculture within NENA countries is generally low.