Coordinates of Food and Nutrition Security in States with Limited Agricultural Resources

Abstract

Abstract Food security is a topic of a large interest, the new approach shifting towards nutrition security, from people access to sufficient towards safe and nutritious food, emphasizing the structure of the diet and the importance of the nutrients in assuring a healthy life. But malnutrition problems affect people worldwide, in different forms, both undernourishment and overweight and obesity, mostly in countries where agricultural resources, as one of the main sources of food, are scarce. Such a country is United Arab Emirate, where people have access to sufficient food, but based on imports, signalizing a low level of food self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the alarming rate of obesity of 30% raises questions about the structure of the diet and nutrition security. The aim of the study is to determine the level of food security in the United Arab Emirates and identify the factors behind it. Statistical data referring to food and nutrition security in United Arab Emirate have been analysed and predictions have been made using machine learning algorithms. The results are relevant for underpinning food policy at macroeconomic level, helping decision makers in finding solutions for improving nutrition security and food self-sufficiency.