Saudi Arabia turns to climate-smart farming to tackle food security and climate risks
The Kingdom is investing in new farming practices to secure food supplies as climate pressures rise.
SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Arabia is adopting climate-smart farming techniques to strengthen its food systems while responding to the growing threats of drought and extreme heat.
The country is investing in water-efficient irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and advanced greenhouse systems to reduce its reliance on food imports and improve local production.
A new study published in Sustainable Futures and led by Wang Li of Inner Mongolia University shows that climate-resilient crop varieties, efficient irrigation systems, and conservation tillage now sit at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s strategy.
The review, which covered agricultural studies from 2010 to 2023, highlighted a clear trend.
“More than half of the studies pointed to resilient crop use, while drip and sprinkler irrigation are becoming key tools to conserve scarce water,” Wang Li said.
The findings also stress that technology alone does not explain the progress. Access to modern irrigation systems, education, government subsidies, and exposure to risks such as sandstorms and prolonged droughts play a major role in shaping how farmers adopt these methods.
Beyond technology: policy and people
The study calls for stronger policies that back both technical and social needs. It points out that support for local training centres and expansion of digital platforms will help farmers understand and apply new techniques.
Researchers also recommend deeper integration of climate-smart agriculture into national plans to ensure long-term success.
“Such measures are vital to align the Kingdom’s agricultural transition with its wider sustainability and food security objectives,” Wang Li added.
Saudi Arabia’s shift fits into its broader Vision 2030 goals, which focus on economic diversification and environmental sustainability. The government’s focus on agriculture signals a move to secure harvests in one of the driest regions of the world.
Regional and global impact
The implications stretch beyond Saudi borders. Climate-smart farming directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Climate Action.
Evidence shows that these practices can improve yields, strengthen food security, conserve water, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 12 percent.
There are also links to the energy sector. As demand grows for energy-efficient irrigation systems and renewable-powered farm equipment, clean energy providers may see new commercial opportunities.
Similar approaches have surfaced elsewhere. In Morocco, for instance, solar-powered irrigation has started to support small-scale farmers facing rising temperatures.
In East Africa, Ethiopia has tested drought-resistant wheat varieties that reduce import dependence. Saudi Arabia’s progress adds to this global body of lessons on how farming can survive and adapt in hotter, drier conditions.
The report underlines that scaling up climate-smart agriculture will rely not only on research but also on farmers having the right support to apply it in practice. For Saudi Arabia, this mix of technical and social solutions could secure food supplies for decades to come.
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