Water and Food Security in the Arabian Peninsula: Struggling for More Actions
Journal Title: Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 0
Abstract
Food security is a critical issue for the Arabian Peninsula countries due fast population growth, reduced domestic food production and the tighter global food markets because of trading partners’ strained export surpluses. Water scarcity is a major concern for the AP. The renewable water resources per capita is considered the lowest in the world and has decreased from 1250 m3 in 1950 to 76.2 m3 in 2014. Furthermore, the projected water demand in AP for the year 2025 will exceed the double of the current groundwater availability, estimated at 8030M m3. In response to the alarming water situation, ICARDA in collaboration with the National Agricultural and Extension Systems (NARES) has established a program in AP, which has developed, evaluated, and introduced technology packages that empower growers to produce high-quality crops with less water. These technologies include: 1) the integrated forage production system based on indigenous plant species; 2) the introduction of spineless cactus as animal feed; and 3) protected agriculture with associated developed technologies such as soilless culture (hydroponics). Similarly, ICARDA and NARS works on date palm has resulted in improving water and land productivity for date production. Such water saving technology packages are being transferred to farmers in AP region through ICARDA and National scientists and extension agents. Conclusively, a noticeable impact on the on-farm water management through the increased productivity per unit of water and land created. The demand for more applied research in the region is inevitable to ensure an adequate level of food security based on Climate-smart agriculture practice.
Authors and Affiliations
A. Ouled Belgacem, A. Nejatian, M. Ben Salah
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP427992
- DOI 10.18006/2017.5(Spl-1-SAFSAW).S50.S62
- Views 59
- Downloads 0
ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRAINTS PERCEIVED BY THE Bakarwal TRIBE IN SHEEP AND GOAT REARING PRACTICES IN JAMMU DISTRICT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR
The present investigation was undertaken to assess the constraints perceived by the Bakarwal tribe in small ruminants rearing practices in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir. Multistage random sampling plan was followed...
Molecular identification and growth inhibition of some human pathogenic bacteria isolated from King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah
Antimicrobial properties of bacterial antagonist against human pathogenic bacteria have become a field of increasing importance in the medical sector. The present study has been carried out to identify the antimicrobial...
Microsporogenesis manipulation by CHA’s to eliminate emasculation in hybrid seed production of okra (Albemoschus esculemtum L.)
Present study was conducted to identify effective microsporogeneis and flower bud stage for application of male gametocides to induce pollen sterility in okra. Results of study revealed the association of floral bud size...
SEROSCREENING OF LACTATING CATTLE FOR COXIELLOSIS BY TRANS-PCR AND COMMERCIAL ELISA IN KERALA, INDIA
The sero-epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii infection in domestic ruminants, which are considered as prime reservoirs, remains largely neglected and underreported in various states of India. The present study was aimed to...
Effect of magnevist conjugated dendrimer on Bax/Bcl2 gene expression levels in MCF-7 cancer cells
In recent years, investigating pharmacogenetics and effects of corona protein nanomaterial in biological applications has been seriously considered for the treatment of human diseases. In this study, the mechanism of apo...