GCC: How tech can support food security

Image credit: WAM

Today, addressing food security is a growing challenge for governments in the GCC region. With reliance on imports and limited land suitable for agriculture, it is more important than ever to adapt new technologies to produce sufficient yields of reliable and affordable food resources.

The UAE is leading the way in sustainability with its ambitious climate action initiatives. With a clear vision outlined in Environment Vision 2030 and a commitment to making 2023 the ‘Year of Sustainability’, the nation has earmarked significant funds towards green resources to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050.

The leadership of the UAE is unwavering in its dedication to sustainability, paving the way towards a better future for all.

Stemming from its sustainability efforts, the nation sets a shining example of food security for MENA’s arid region by actively pursuing investment in agritech and water conservation, in response to the 2023 Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC’s (COP28) call for sustainable food production and eco-safe practices.

As we take inspiration from this exemplary commitment to environmental protection, let’s explore how technology can help GCC countries meet the increased demand for food while overcoming numerous obstacles in their efforts towards food security.

We will examine the current utilisation of different technologies such as precision agriculture, greenhouses and vertical farming, discuss potential further applications within this region and consider strategies for implementation.

Agritech

Agritech is set to revolutionise agriculture with state-of-the-art irrigation systems, precision farming, and innovative analytics. This tech-savvy approach will significantly reduce water consumption, maximise resource efficiency and optimise crop yields.

Collaborative tools will enable farmers to share best practices and access the latest technologies, thereby promoting sustainable farming practices.

Precision agriculture

Technology such as geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools can be used to create precise maps of land and help farmers optimise their yields by providing accurate information about soil moisture, nutrient levels, and crop health. This can help maximise production and reduce waste, ultimately contributing to greater food security.

Climate-smart agriculture

The use of technology such as precision irrigation systems, drought-resistant crops, and climate modelling can help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and mitigate the impact of climate change on food production. This can help increase food production and improve long-term food security.

Vertical farming

Growing crops in vertically stacked layers under controlled conditions can help increase the productivity of land and reduce water usage. It is a high-tech agricultural method that can produce crops throughout the year in indoor urban settings, reducing the reliance on food imports and promoting food security. Automated vertical farming using robotics and AI can increase crop yields by up to 15 times compared to traditional farming methods. This technology can also reduce water usage by up to 90 per cent and eliminate the need for pesticides.

Aquaponics

Aquaponics is a closed-loop farming system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics. Fish and plants are raised together in a sustainable system, generating healthy and fresh produce with minimum water usage.

Food tracking

Technologies such as blockchain and internet of things (or IoT) sensors can be used to track food products from farm to counter, increasing accountability and transparency in the food supply chain. This can help prevent food fraud, reduce food waste, and improve food safety – ultimately contributing to greater food security.

Food processing and preservation

Technology can be used to effectively process and preserve food, extending its shelf life and reducing waste. This is particularly important in regions such as the GCC where much of the food is imported from other countries, and where there may be limited availability of fresh produce. By preserving and processing food, the region can reduce its dependence on imports and promote food security.

Layth Dwairi is the CEO at EnvEnTech (Environmental Engineering Technologies)