Role of Livestock on Food Security in Saudi Arabia

All nationsLivestock around the world strive to achieve food security by relying on their resourcesResources, protecting their communities, and preserving social cohesion. The livestock sector plays a crucial role in providing the necessary animal proteinAnimal protein in adequate quantity, contributing to 18% of global food energy consumptionConsumption and 34% of global proteinProtein consumption to ensure food security. LivestockLivestock-based products provide a unique source of high-quality proteins (18–28%), bioavailable essential vitaminsVitamins (vitamin B12), and mineralsMinerals (iron and zinc). In addition to the direct contribution of livestock to food security, it can also indirectly contribute by providing revenue from the sale of livestockLivestock and animal productsAnimal product, contributing to job creation, and ruralRural development. Saudi Arabia, which is one of the main red meat consumersConsumers in the world, has seen a substantial increase in livestock production in the past few decades due to improved genetics, better feeding practicesPractices, and increased investment in the livestockLivestock sector. It is home to some of the largest livestock producers in the Middle East, including Almarai, NADEC, and SALIC. Saudi livestockLivestock production is expected to reach 4,477,200 heads by 2026 with a high annual growth rate (9.2% per year). However, there is still a significant gap in self-sufficiency of red meatMeat in Saudi Arabia which is filled with imported live animals and freshFresh or processed meat. The sector faces several challenges, such as limited availabilityAvailability of feedFeed and water resourcesWater resources and diseaseDisease outbreaks. The Saudi governmentGovernment has been working to address these challenges by increasing investmentInvestment in water conservation technologiesTechnologies, researching alternative feed sources, and implementing disease control measures.