Saudi environment ministry inks deals with Agricultural Development Fund to boost rural farming
Saudi environment ministry inks deals with Agricultural ... Arab News
sdgtalks
Rural Farming in Saudi Arabia to Receive Increased Investments and Loans
Rural farming in Saudi Arabia is expected to see increased investments and loans, with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture signing two agreements with the Agricultural Development Fund.
The deal is expected to increase the production efficiency of the agricultural industry in the Kingdom and extend the fund’s involvement in various activities of the ministry.
The deal will also encourage entrepreneurs to exploit investment opportunities in the sector and provide support and finance for farms.
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
“The Agricultural Development Fund plays a significant role in supporting the agriculture sector in the Kingdom through financial initiatives and other programs that aim to strengthen food security and sustainability,” said Habib Al-Shammari, the fund’s official spokesperson.
Ensuring food security for the Kingdom is one of the key goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and initiatives like these are further expected to encourage growth.
The ministry and ADF will also work together to increase the utility of modern agricultural methods and address the problems and difficulties faced in the farming sector.
Financial Support for Agriculture Sector
- The fund offered over SR6.5 billion ($1.73 billion) in financial support in 2022.
- SR1.5 billion was provided in the first quarter of 2023.
- SR2 billion was provided in the second quarter of this year.
In June 2023, Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the Smarter Climate Farmers Challenge in partnership with UpLink, the open innovation platform of the World Economic Forum, to identify and support innovators of climate-smart agriculture solutions.
The announcement was made by Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim during the World Economic Forum’s 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China.
During his speech, the minister said that immediate action is required to address food security challenges, especially in the desert environment in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this month, the ADF approved SR1.5 billion to farmers in Saudi Arabia for small farmers involved in greenhouse vegetable production, poultry breeding, and fish and shrimp farming.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef also indicated that the Kingdom is eyeing to attract investments worth $20 billion in the food sector by 2035.
These investments will be made specifically in major areas of the food industry, including poultry, dairy, bakery, sweets, and beverages.
According to Alkhorayef, these investments are also in line with the country’s aim to double agricultural exports from $3.7 billion in 2022 to $10.9 billion in 2035, as per the objectives of the National Industry Strategy.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
- Indicator: Increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
-
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
- Indicator: Increase in access to financial services for entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
-
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
- Indicator: Reduction in per capita food waste at the retail and consumer levels.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment. | Increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services. | Increase in access to financial services for entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. | Reduction in per capita food waste at the retail and consumer levels. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
– Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
– Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
– Increase in access to financial services for entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
– Reduction in per capita food waste at the retail and consumer levels.
These indicators can be used to track the progress made in achieving the targets related to agricultural productivity, financial support for entrepreneurs, and reduction of food waste.
Overall, the article highlights the efforts of Saudi Arabia to support the agriculture sector, promote entrepreneurship, and address food security challenges. These efforts align with several SDGs, targets, and indicators related to sustainable development.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: arabnews.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
