Food Safety and Security

Is Bahrain a model of food security in the Middle East?

In a region facing formidable agricultural challenges, food security has emerged as a paramount concern for sustainable development and growth in the Middle East. The Kingdom of Bahrain has responded by crafting a national strategy aimed at bolstering local production and diminishing reliance on food imports.

The concerted efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture are pivotal in supporting the agriculture and fisheries sectors. These sectors play a crucial role in securing the nation's long-term food security. Beyond its borders, Bahrain collaborates with neighboring governments to collectively address common food security objectives.

The government's visionary approach has propelled Bahrain into the ranks of the world's top 50 most food-secure nations. In the Global Food Security Index 2022 (PDF, 4.83 MB, 48 pages), conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Bahrain secures the 38th spot among 113 countries. This recognition is based on assessments of food affordability, availability, quality, safety, natural resources, and resilience.

Remarkably, Bahrain shines in several key areas. The Kingdom boasts a 99 percent access rate to drinking water, and its citizens are well-versed in safe food storage practices. Notably, no one in Bahrain lives below the global poverty line of USD 3.20 per day. The country excels with a food supplies score of 75.3 out of 100, surpassing the global average of 60.4. Moreover, Bahrain's irrigation infrastructure impressively scores 46.5, in stark contrast to the global average of 10.6.

The Kingdom has developed a national strategy for food security (PPT, 1.91 MB, 22 Slides, Arabic) with a clear vision and action plans to ensure sustainable food security at the national and regional levels. Alternative agricultural practices, such as hydroponic farming and aquaculture, have become increasingly popular in the Kingdom.

The government of Bahrain has taken serious strides in strengthening food security and directing towards adopting initiatives that would raise the level of food security in the Kingdom and support national food production.

Bahrain has long emphasized the importance of diversifying its supply chain in food items, maintaining the subsidized prices of certain food, exempting essential food items from the VAT, offering consumer protection services, supporting local farmers and fisheries, utilizing technology to grow crops, and furthering international collaborations.

Bahrain International Garden Show, an initiative of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, aims to support and highlight the agricultural and gardening sectors in the Kingdom. It serves as a platform for showcasing and learning about the latest ideas and innovations in agriculture, gardening, food security, and sustainability.

Bahrain’s foreign direct investments (FDI) in food security have seen notable success with four specialized production facilities being established and ten existing ones being expanded. Bahrain signed four three-year agreements in 2019 under the UN Strategic and Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) covering the development of a food resource diversification strategy to support food security.

With its remarkable achievements in food security, Bahrain stands as a beacon of hope and an example for the Middle East and beyond.