How the GCC Uses Innovation to Boost Its Food Security
Food security is taken seriously in the GCC. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates are all in the top 50 when it comes to food security. Despite this fact, they import up to 85% of their food.
Back in September 2024, GCC countries regarded food security as a critical issue that every nation in the area should prioritize. This is why Mr. Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, made a statement regarding the nations that face this issue. He also added that this problem will be placed at the top of the priorities through strategic partnerships.
Food Supply Issues
Food supplies are disrupted all across the world. This situation emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of people are affected by this problem, with many individuals not getting an adequate level of nourishment. The continued volatility of global supply chains also affects the Gulf, which is why the area must find solutions for food production.
It is also dealing with scarce water, increasing temperatures, and limited arable land. For this reason, GCC countries are looking at these issues from new angles and entering new strategies to turn them into opportunities for food security.
New Food Security Partnerships and Strategies
At the moment, about 85% of the food available in GCC countries is imported. Nearly all consumption consists of rice imports. Meanwhile, 52% of it includes vegetables, 62% is comprised of meat, and 93% features cereals. This is why GCC countries have been trying to find ways to deal with the risks and come up with measures.
GCC governments have launched processes such as:
- Distribution and packaging support
- Credits and financial exemptions to agri-businesses and farmers
- Mobility exceptions for agricultural workers during times of lockdown
These solutions are meant to bring more food security in the short term. At the same time, GCC countries still need to find more ways to restructure their food supply chains and offer protection against possible future risks regarding food imports.
What Can GCC Countries Do to Increase Food Security?
GCC governments can complement their interventions with a series of solutions to boost their food security. For instance, they must do their best to grow their local food supply. Farmers must receive the necessary support to become more productive. Desert agriculture, vertical stack crops, and seawater farming are only a few of the practices that can bring significant improvements.
Moreover, imports must enjoy increased stability. Governments can add new import channels to provide more resources to the agricultural landscape. Custom and border checks can be minimized for agricultural freight, something that allows food to enter the area much faster. Key commodity supplies must also be secured by the government in countries where the food industry doesn’t have a strong private sector.
With more technological progress, financial support, and new policies, the GCC can navigate the current challenges and develop a more reliable food system.
