Israel is leading the world in finding solutions to combat global warming and desertification, the Agriculture Ministry's chief scientist said Thursday at the UN food forum in Rome.

Speaking to delegates at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization summit, Dr. Yuval Eshdat said Israel was at the forefront of efforts to fight the effects of climate change, global warming and desertification, and was assisting other nations with technology, skills and policy exchanges.

The three-day conference ended Thursday. It was attended by many world leaders, including Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, who is accused by many in the international community of causing widespread hunger and destitution in Zimbabwe, mainly by stripping experienced white farmers of their land.

"Israel has been dealing with the problem of desertification since its inception, and over the years has developed tools to turn desert into arable lands for agriculture," Eshdat said. "Through the use of research we have developed tools to make the most effective use of water, including waste and marginal water, to advance farming on even the most arid lands."

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