Implications of Population Growth on Food Security in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Food security is currently an important priority for Saudi Arabia, especially since the country imports about 70–80% of its basic food commodity needs, constituting a threat to strategic food security and financial situation, considering the steady decline in oil prices. Saudi Arabia witness about 1.7% population growth rate and to cope with the increased demand for food the country adopted many agricultural policies to secure food. Development plans have given special attention to the population issue, in its various dimensions, and have been keen on rationalizing and directing population trends to serve development goals, programs and projects, raise the standard of living of citizens and improve their quality of life. This is accomplished by increasing job opportunities for citizens and offering high-quality public services, all while continuing to support low-income groups. This chapter focuses on food security and population growth in Saudi Arabia emphasizing the Characteristics of the demographic situation in Saudi Arabia, Problems and difficulties of the standard of living and quality of life. It also shed light on the Development strategy and future vision, in addition to the current and prospects for food Security in the Saudi Arabia.