Future Scenarios of the Algerian Food System Against Natural Vulnerabilities and Water Challenges

Algeria’s food security is largely dependent on three critical factors: the climate, the public finances, and the global food market. The significance of imports in meeting the country’s food needs underscores its vulnerability to disruptions in the global market, primarily due to its reliance on oil revenues. Several factors contribute to this complex situation, including population growth, climate change, shifts in dietary habits towards calorie-rich diets, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of nutritional education. These last three factors create a particular dilemma the increase in hunger or undernourishment alongside the rising prevalence of overweight or obesity, especially among young people Algeria and other countries face a complex challenge that requires deep reflection, informed policies, and coordinated actions to ensure both food security and environmental sustainability while addressing hunger and malnutrition issues. Our chapter analyses the food security situation and proposes recommendations based on scenarios aimed at rethinking food and nutrition policies. It places an emphasis on providing access to healthy and nutritious foods through coordinated actions, promoting active lifestyles, raising awareness about nutrition, and sustainably managing natural resources, particularly water and soil.