Algeria food system resilience has been ranked the strongest in Africa, placing the country 32nd globally in the Resilient Food Systems Index (RFSI) published by the British think tank Economist Impact. The ranking highlights Algeria’s ability to maintain stable access to affordable and nutritious food despite global economic, climate, and geopolitical pressures.
The report evaluates the capacity of national food systems to ensure reliable food availability, accessibility, and sustainability. Algeria achieved a score of 64.66 points, making it the highest-ranked country on the African continent in terms of food system resilience.
South Africa ranked second in Africa and 38th globally with 62.65 points, while Egypt followed closely behind in 39th place worldwide with a score of 62.18 points. According to the report, these three countries are the only African nations to reach a relatively strong level of resilience, with scores ranging between 60 and 70.
At the Arab level, Algeria ranked fourth in the index, behind several Gulf countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which scored higher due to advanced infrastructure, diversified food import networks, and strong policy frameworks.
The Resilient Food Systems Index was developed by international experts and academic researchers from leading institutions, including Johns Hopkins University in the United States. The study aims to measure how well countries can withstand shocks that threaten food supply, such as climate change, economic volatility, and geopolitical disruptions.
According to the report, Algeria food system resilience reflects the country’s ability to maintain relatively stable food access for its population. Ensuring reliable food supplies has become a critical strategic challenge worldwide as countries face increasing pressure from climate change, rising global food prices, and supply chain disruptions.
The index is based on a comprehensive methodology that includes 71 quantitative and qualitative indicators. These indicators draw from globally recognized institutions such as the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization, and the World Resources Institute.
Researchers evaluated several dimensions of food systems, including agricultural diversity, infrastructure, food affordability, environmental sustainability, and governance policies aimed at maintaining stable food supplies.
Globally, Portugal ranked first in the index with a score of 76.83 points. The report attributes Portugal’s top position to its diversified agricultural production, strong integration with global food markets, and public policies designed to promote access to healthy and affordable food.
The study also highlighted a significant disparity between the world’s strongest and weakest food systems. According to the report, more than 40 points separate the most resilient countries from those with the most fragile food systems.
This gap underscores the growing importance of national strategies aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity, improving food distribution networks, and enhancing resilience to climate and economic shocks.
For Algeria, the ranking reinforces ongoing efforts to improve food security and diversify agricultural production as part of broader economic development plans. Analysts note that continued investment in agriculture, water management, and supply chains will remain key factors in maintaining and improving the country’s food system resilience in the coming years.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.