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chapter 1
Food Security and Agricultural Sustainability
f. In view of disparities in land and water resources at national levels, virtual water affords Arab countries opportunities for cooperation on food security matters according to comparative advantages in agricultural resources. Regional trade in food commodities needs to be facilitated and strengthened.
desalination and treated wastewater is a desirable policy option, provided that fossil fuels are replaced with renewable energy sources. Building local capacity for developing and manufacturing solar technologies, such as concentrating solar power (CSP), brings the added benefits of reducing the cost of technology deployment and generating jobs, while being environmentally sustainable.
g. In addition to adopting the right policies and best agricultural practices, Arab countries need to mobilize resources to finance their agricultural investments. Whether such investments are financed from domestic sources, official development assistance, the private sector, or a combination thereof, it is essential to ensure that investments are based on well-prepared feasibility studies, accounting not only for production aspects, but also for other valueadded chain facilities such as transport, storage, and distribution. h. All policy and investment options should be evaluated in accordance with a demand management approach capable of maintaining the sustainability of natural land and water assets.