A strategic step towards achieving sustainable food security
In a significant step aimed at enhancing food security and achieving sustainability in the agricultural sector, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), announced the publication of a pioneering scientific study. Titled “Transforming Small Ruminant Productivity through a Farm Service Delivery Model,” the study presents innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of the Kingdom’s livestock sector, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
General context and importance of livestock in the Kingdom
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places paramount importance on food security, particularly in light of global climate challenges and the scarcity of water resources in the region. The livestock sector, specifically the breeding of small ruminants such as sheep and goats, is an integral part of the economic, social, and cultural fabric of rural areas. For decades, this sector has been a primary source of income and livelihood for thousands of families. However, it has faced chronic challenges that have hindered its growth, such as limited access to advanced veterinary services, high feed costs, and low reproductive efficiency of herds.
Promising results and a scalable business model
The pilot study demonstrated that implementing an integrated community-based approach, led by animal production specialists, can dramatically transform productivity. This model provides a comprehensive package of services, including improved animal health, proper nutrition, and the application of modern reproductive management techniques. These interventions yielded remarkable results on participating farms, most notably:
- The birth rate doubled: the average increased from 0.4 to 0.8 per ewe.
- A significant decrease in the mortality rate: a drop from 24% to only 8%, a decrease of two-thirds.
- Significant increase in milk production: Milk production in sheep and goats has doubled.
- High rate of twin births: This reflects improved general health and fertility of the herds.
Expected economic and social impact
These results have the potential to have a wide-ranging economic impact. It is estimated that implementing this model across the Kingdom could add up to SAR 18 billion (approximately USD 4.8 billion) in economic value to meat and dairy production within just five years. This would contribute to reducing reliance on meat imports by nearly 50%, thus improving the trade balance and bolstering the national economy. On the social front, this transformation is expected to create thousands of jobs in rural areas, particularly for youth and women, thereby supporting sustainable development and improving the quality of life in those regions.
A leading Saudi model globally
Dr. Nizar Haddad, the FAO's Country Director in the Kingdom, affirmed that this model is not merely a local solution, but one that can be scaled up and implemented in numerous arid and semi-arid regions worldwide facing similar challenges. In doing so, the Kingdom presents a pioneering model that can contribute to resolving food crises in other regions, reflecting its pivotal role on the international stage. The Ministry, in partnership with the FAO, continues to work on expanding the application of this approach and facilitating public-private partnerships to ensure the sustainability of the transformation in the livestock sector.
