Food security is an existential element of national economies and is one of their strategic priorities. Despite international geopolitical and economic challenges that have increased food insecurity, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Security Report issued in 2024, the Kingdom of Bahrain has responded to these challenges wisely and effectively by launching numerous initiatives and development projects over the past few years to drive growth in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors. The issue of food security is of great concern to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, may God protect and preserve him, and is continuously monitored by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, may God protect him, given its importance for the future of the country and its generations. In 2021, the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain launched the National Food Security Strategy 2020-2030 in cooperation with the FAO, which focuses on promoting local production, encouraging innovative technologies for agriculture and food production, reducing food waste, and diversifying supply chains.

Food security is achieved when four conditions are met, including that individuals have access to sufficient food at all times to meet their nutritional needs for a healthy and active life, easy and safe access to food, the availability of safe and healthy food, and finally, long-term stability in food availability. Each condition includes sub-factors that facilitate the measurement of a country’s food security status, despite the fundamental differences between the economies of nations and the conditions of societies and peoples.

Despite the challenges facing the Kingdom of Bahrain, such as the scarcity of agricultural land, climate change factors, the scarcity of natural resources, and heavy dependence on food imports, it has been able to take serious steps to raise its level of self-sufficiency through several initiatives and development projects that have contributed to its food security sustainability. These initiatives are divided into internal and external national initiatives. Among the internal policies implemented by the Kingdom’s government are supporting the agricultural sector and farmers through legislative, financial, technical, and training tools, conducting experimental research on the use of technology in agriculture, and launching horizontal farming and fish farming projects in several areas of the Kingdom. Statistics indicate that total agricultural production will increase to approximately 58,500 tons in 2024 from approximately 38,000 tons in 2015, an increase of about double since the last decade. This is due to the remarkable progress in the use of smart agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, and horizontal farming. Modern technology, with its multiple applications such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and other desert farming technologies, is expected to contribute to the development of the agricultural sector and ensure balanced levels of food security in the long term.

It is worth mentioning that the National Initiative for Agricultural Development was launched in 2010, with the aim of developing the agricultural sector through the concerted efforts of various competent authorities and stakeholders in the public and private sectors. The initiative organizes the annual Bahrain Garden Show, which aims to support the agriculture and horticulture sectors and provide platforms for showcasing agricultural ideas and innovations in this field. In a notable step towards public-private cooperation, Bahrain Food Holding Company was established to promote growth and innovation in the food and agriculture sector and support the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve sustainable food security, in addition to managing Bahrain’s food reserves.

Regional and global cooperation has been of paramount importance to the Kingdom. Bahrain has diversified its food supply chains and strengthened international cooperation to support food security, such as enhancing regional cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, ASEAN countries, and other international organizations through joint agreements, programs, and strategies.

Despite the achievements made by the Kingdom of Bahrain in raising its food security rating and ranking among the top 50 countries in terms of food security, there are still many challenges that must be overcome. The importance of using technology, research, and studies in the field of agriculture and food lies within the fundamental pillars for addressing these challenges, as agricultural technology will contribute to the development of innovative and pioneering solutions to increase food and agricultural production, enhance water resource efficiency, and improve supply chains in the long term. These modern research and technical tools ensure sustainable self-sufficiency in the face of climate and global changes, including policies adopted by many countries that are geographically similar to Bahrain, such as Singapore.

Note: This article has been automatically translated, the full article is available in Arabic

Source: Akhbar Al Khaleej
Ali Faqeeh, Research Associate