The Guidelines for action on food loss and waste reduction in the Near East and North Africa provide support to Member Countries to implement the Voluntary Code of Conduct for Food Loss and Waste Reduction, an international instrument designed to guide FLW policymaking and interventions at global level. These regionally-tailored Guidelines offer a basis for developing national strategies, policies, and legislation enabling food loss and waste reduction in line with national agrifood system objectives of NENA countries. The actions and principles put forward herein have the ultimate goal of accelerating the region’s transition to sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

Food loss and waste (FLW) reduction is an important component in the transformation of the region's agrifood systems. Addressing the drivers of FLW along value chains provides an opportunity to tackle some of the inherent problems within the NENA region agrifood systems and to contribute to goals such as: boosting incomes and employment, improving access to nutritious food, reducing the climate footprint, and improving the use of scarce natural resources, particularly arable land and water.

"Food losses and waste (FL&W) in the Near East & North Africa (NENA) region are high and contribute to reduced food availability, aggravated water scarcity, adverse environmental impacts and increased food imports, in an already highly import-dependent region. This document outlines a Regional Strategic Framework for reducing food losses and waste in the region. It responds to the FAO NERC-31 (in May 2012) recommendation calling on FAO to 'assist member countries in addressing the key challenges of reducing food waste and losses by conducting comprehensive studies on impact of food losses and waste on food security in the region and in establishing a plan to reduce food losses and waste in the region by 50% within 10 years'. The strategic framework was endorsed by the FAO NERC-32 in February 2014. This strategic framework has direct links to FAO's 'Global Initiative on Food Loss and Waste Reduction' with respect to vision, objectives and aims, but recognizes the unique characteristics of the NENA region in the actions being recommended. The components of the strategic framework are based on the region's socio-economic context, gaps in combating FL&W, and availability of resources. They are also based on the various efforts and contributions that have been accomplished, especially since NERC- 31, including important national and regional consultations, intensive awareness and advocacy mechanisms, networking platforms, a regional study, and national and regional technical support especially with regard to improvement of value chains, value addition, cold chain, and quality and safety management for the different food sectors in the region. Such efforts have already led to actions by member countries, namely the adoption of national initiatives to reduce FL&W in Egypt and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and some very important measures in other countries such as Iraq, Iran, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Tunisia. Implementation of the strategic framework would require the participation and cooperation of all actors in the food supply chain in addition to government agencies, NGOs, civil society institutions and local communities. Formative and summative evaluation processes would need to be carried out during the implementation process, including key indicators of losses and waste reduction as indicated in the objectives of this strategic framework. This document is intended to provide a strategic framework to FAO/RNE member countries to guide FL&W reduction through national strategic action plans and regional collaborative efforts."--Page v

Around one third of all food production is lost or wasted. This book provides a comprehensive review of the causes and prevention of food losses and waste at key steps in the supply chain, for different commodities and across particular regions.

Most countries in the Near East and North Africa saw a steady improvement in food security and nutrition up to the beginning of the decade. Food production was rising and undernourishment and poverty were receding. However, the situation has deteriorated since 2012, largely driven by increasing conflicts and protracted crises as well as water scarcity and climate change.

This book investigates the need for a more open and interdisciplinary dialogue on the nexus of food, water and energy security in the Arab region. It argues that achieving sustainable economic development is irretrievably tied to the security of the water–energy–food nexus, which is in turn essential for bringing about sustained peace. Further, it discusses various approaches to achieving these lofty objectives, and offers the following take-away messages: The Arab region is currently under considerable water stress, and the situation will continue to get worse with a number of global changes – most notably those related to climate and regional water distribution. Viable solutions are available in the Arab region and can be implemented through innovative policies, judicious use of new technologies, and stimulating public opinion. Integration across water, energy, and food sectors is obviously needed but achieving it in practice is extremely challenging. There are some gaps in the scientific understanding but at the same time there is a wealth of data and synthesized information that can guide decision-making.

This catalogue aims to improve the dissemination and outreach of FAO’s knowledge products and overall publishing programme. By providing information on its key publications in every area of FAO’s work, and catering to a range of audiences, it thereby contributes to all organizational outcomes. From statistical analysis to specialized manuals to children’s books, FAO publications cater to a diverse range of audiences. This catalogue presents a selection of FAO’s main publications, produced in 2023 or earlier, ranging from its global reports and general interest publications to numerous specialized titles. In addition to the major themes of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, it also includes thematic sections on climate change, economic and social development, and food safety and nutrition.