Definition
Food security exists when all people at all times have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. For Oman, which imports approximately 60 to 70 percent of its food requirements, food security is a strategic priority. The national food security strategy addresses supply chain resilience, domestic production expansion, strategic reserves, and dietary health to reduce vulnerability to global market disruptions and geopolitical risks.
Context in Oman
The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict highlighted the risks of food import dependence. Oman responded by accelerating its National Food Security Strategy, which focuses on several pillars: expanding domestic agriculture (especially greenhouses and protected farming), developing aquaculture and fisheries as protein sources, building strategic grain reserves, investing in food processing and cold chain logistics, securing long-term supply agreements with partner countries, and promoting water-efficient farming technologies such as hydroponics and vertical farming. The Oman Food Investment Holding Company (OFIC) drives investment in food production and supply chain projects.
Key Data Points
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Food import dependence | ~60-70 % |
| Strategic grain reserve capacity | Being expanded |
| Aquaculture production target (2030) | Significant increase |
| Key investment entity | OFIC |
| Priority crops | Dates, vegetables, fodder |
Vision 2040 Connection
Food security is embedded in Vision 2040 under both the economic diversification and environment pillars. The strategy targets increasing domestic food self-sufficiency ratios in key categories, particularly vegetables, fish, and poultry. Investment in agri-tech and aquaculture is viewed as both a food security measure and an economic opportunity aligned with diversification goals.
Further Reading
- [[Oman Aquaculture Sector]]
- [[Oman Fisheries Sector]]
- [[Oman Date Palm Cultivation]]