How public policy can boost food security in the Arab world
Public policy is integral to securing food resources in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. This article explores the role of public policy within the context of food security in the region. It scrutinizes current programs, initiatives and policy challenges related to food security, while analyzing availability, access, utilization and stability — the four dimensions of food security — and the effects of public policy on each. Public policy is a critical tool governments use to meet citizens’ demands, modeled through a combination of laws, regulations, actions and funding priorities. It enables governments to address social and economic issues and reflects different solutions to common problems, which vary from one country to another.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN defines food security as a state where everyone has consistent access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food, fulfilling their dietary needs for an active, healthy life. The following four dimensions must be simultaneously satisfied to achieve food security, according to the World Bank.
First is availability: The physical presence of food in a country or region. Public policy can impact availability by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, investing in research and development, and providing financial assistance to farmers. However, one of the challenges to food availability in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world is the reliance on imports. The region is heavily dependent on food imports due to its limited arable land, water scarcity and a harsh climate. This dependence makes the region vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
Second is access: The ability of individuals to acquire food. Public policy can impact access by providing food subsidies to low-income households, implementing nutritional education programs in schools and establishing food banks to distribute food to those in need. But a challenge regarding food access in Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf Cooperation Council countries is the high level of income inequality. Many people in the region are unable to afford nutritious food, and poverty and unemployment are prevalent in certain areas.
Next is utilization: The capability of individuals to effectively use food to meet their nutritional needs. Public policy can impact food utilization by implementing nutritional education programs and promoting healthy eating habits. However, a challenge to this in Saudi Arabia and the GCC is the prevalence of unhealthy eating habits. Many people in the region consume diets that are high in saturated fats, sugar and salt, leading to high rates of obesity, diabetes and other diet-related diseases. Finally, stability: A region’s ability to maintain food access over time. Public policy can impact stability by promoting sustainable agriculture practices, reducing food waste and investing in food storage and distribution infrastructure. One of the challenges to food stability in the region is its vulnerability to natural disasters, such as droughts and floods, which can disrupt
production and supply chains.
Public policy can significantly impact food security by promoting agricultural development, investing in research and discouraging unhealthy food availability through restrictive trade policies. Policies aimed at income growth and poverty reduction can impact people’s capacity to purchase food, while those that limit access to education and healthcare can negatively affect food security. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, various programs promote food security as a critical issue. Public policy addresses food security by fostering sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste and ensuring access to food for all citizens.
Economically, the state can advocate for sustainable agriculture by investing in research and development, renewable resources and local food production. This reduces dependency on food imports, generates job opportunities and propels economic expansion. Socially, public policy can address hunger, malnutrition and social exclusion by providing food subsidies, implementing nutritional education programs and initiating food banks. These measures ultimately improve overall public health.
Environmentally, public policy can target sustainable agriculture and lessen food waste through organic farming, limited pesticide use and water saving technologies. Policies that promote food bank donations and household composting programs effectively combat waste.
Finally, human capital development occurs when public policy enables access to agriculture-specific education and training. Vocational programs, research and developmental support and financial scholarships for agricultural pursuits all contribute to elevating the workforce’s skills and increasing sector productivity.
Emphasizing food security policies helps
Saudi Arabia and the countries of the Arab world meet the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, the UN’s SDGs, the Riyadh G20 Declaration and the 32nd Arab League Summit in Jeddah. In conclusion, food security is a fundamental concern directly affecting the economic, social, environmental and human capital of Saudi Arabia, the GCC and the broader Arab world. Public policy remains essential to promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste and securing access to food for all citizens.
By acknowledging and tackling the challenges of food imports, income inequality, unhealthy eating habits and vulnerability to natural disasters, public policy can help create a healthy, food-secure framework for the region. This, in turn, contributes to national security, poverty alleviation and overall economic growth.
Saudi Arabia’s leaders are committed to strategic planning and collaboration with stakeholders to attain food security and meet citizens’ nutritional needs for a healthy life, in line with the World Trade Organization’s understanding of food security.