A study to increase the productivity of small ruminants and food security
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), announced the results of a pioneering and innovative scientific study highlighting a significant transformational improvement in small ruminant productivitythrough the application of a modern and innovative model for providing integrated farm services. This strategic step comes within the framework of ongoing efforts to enhance food security and achieve sustainable development in the Kingdom.
Roots of agricultural development and livestock development
Historically, livestock farming, particularly sheep and goats, has been a cornerstone of rural life in the Arabian Peninsula, where people have relied on this resource to meet their needs for meat and dairy. However, with rapid economic development and population growth, this vital sector has faced severe environmental and climatic challenges, such as water scarcity, desertification, and limited access to advanced veterinary care. In response, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of its Vision 2030, has sought to bring about a qualitative transformation in the agricultural sector. This study, titled “Transforming the Productivity of Small Ruminants through a Farm Service Delivery Model,” was developed within the framework of the joint technical cooperation program between the Ministry and the FAO. It represents a scientific and practical response to these historical challenges, aiming to enhance the Ministry’s capacity to implement its sustainable rural agricultural development program.
Impressive results in small ruminant productivity
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture explained that the pilot results of the study demonstrated the remarkable success of the community-based approach. This model relies on trained livestock production technicians who provide a comprehensive package of essential services, including veterinary healthcare, proper nutrition, and advanced reproductive management. Statistics from participating farms showed a doubling of the birth rate from 0.4 to 0.8, with a significant increase in the twinning rate. A sharp decrease in mortality rates by two-thirds (from 24% to 8%) was also recorded, along with a more than doubling of milk production in sheep and goats, thus enhancing the overall resilience of livestock farming systems.
Economic and strategic dimensions that promote sustainability
At the local level, Assistant Undersecretary Dr. Ali Al-Shaikhi affirmed that providing livestock services in a structured manner directly contributes to improving farmers' incomes and mitigating chronic challenges such as high feed costs and low reproductive efficiency. Economic estimates indicate that nationwide implementation of this model could generate added value of up to SAR 18 billion (USD 4.8 billion) in meat and dairy production within five years, reducing reliance on imports by nearly 50% and creating thousands of rural job opportunities for young people and women.
At the regional and international levels, Dr. Nizar Haddad, FAO Program Manager in the Kingdom, explained that this model represents a qualitative shift whose impact is not limited to Saudi Arabia alone, but also offers a global model that can be expanded and replicated in arid and semi-arid regions around the world facing similar challenges. In the next phase, the Ministry and the Food and Agriculture Organization will continue working to broaden the scope of this approach and facilitate public-private partnerships to ensure the sustainability and efficient development of the livestock sector.
