Strengthening the role of agricultural associations in Mecca to achieve sustainability
Ongoing efforts to support agricultural associations in Mecca
In a strategic move aimed at promoting sustainable development, the Makkah Region branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, represented by the Department of Non-Profit Sector Organizations, held a specialized workshop. This workshop highlighted the importance of empowering agricultural associations in Makkah, and was attended by Assistant Director General for Technical Affairs, Engineer Hassan bin Ibrahim Al-Mu'idi, and Assistant Director General for Support and Empowerment, Engineer Hani bin Hamoud Al-Maimouni. The event also saw active participation from the Makkah Region branch of the Agricultural Development Fund, and the workshop was titled “Supporting and Empowering Cooperative Societies in the Makkah Region.”.
The historical context of agricultural transformation and the Kingdom's vision
Historically, agriculture in Saudi Arabia has relied on individual efforts and traditional practices. However, economic development and population growth have necessitated a shift towards organized, institutional work. This has highlighted the importance of agricultural cooperatives as entities capable of uniting farmers' efforts. Within the framework of Vision 2030, achieving food security and environmental sustainability has become a top national priority. This workshop is an extension of the state's decades-long efforts to develop the rural and agricultural sector, with the Ministry striving to transform the geographical and climatic challenges facing farmers into promising investment opportunities through collaborative work.
Workshop objectives and empowerment themes
The workshop directly targeted agricultural associations in Mecca, as well as a number of farmers, specialists, and those interested in agricultural affairs in the region. Its aim was to enhance the efficiency of agricultural production and empower associations to play an effective developmental role. During the meeting, supporting initiatives and programs were reviewed, and the field challenges facing farmers were discussed. In addition, the vital role of the Agricultural Development Fund in providing financial and logistical support to associations was highlighted, contributing to increasing their operational capabilities. Discussions also focused on enabling associations to make the most of available support tools, strengthening their role in agricultural value chains and marketing, encouraging integration and the exchange of expertise among the various participating entities, and opening a dialogue to benefit from opinions and proposals.
Expected impact on the local and regional economy
Empowering and developing agricultural associations has an impact not only locally but also regionally and internationally. Locally, this support contributes to improving the livelihoods of small farmers, creating new job opportunities in rural areas, and ensuring the continuity of agricultural production in the Makkah region, which receives significant attention. Regionally, enhancing production efficiency strengthens the Kingdom's food security system and reduces reliance on imports. Internationally, these steps align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to global standards for environmental protection and the development of natural resources.
A fundamental pillar for achieving sustainability
At the conclusion of the workshop, the Director General of the Ministry's branch in the Makkah region, Engineer Waleed bin Ibrahim Al-Dughais, affirmed that these intensive efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to support and empower agricultural associations, considering them a fundamental pillar for the development of the entire sector. He pointed to the continued diligent work to strengthen strategic partnerships and provide all possible means of support to empower small farmers and achieve comprehensive sustainability, in full line with the objectives and aspirations of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, to ensure a prosperous and sustainable agricultural future for generations to come.
