Oxford Business Group (OBG) and the Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development (AOAD) have released a new Covid-19 Response Report (CRR) that highlights the investment opportunities emerging in agri-tech across the Gulf as GCC countries work together and individually to find sustainable solutions to their food security challenges.

In an easy-to-navigate and accessible format that includes crucial data and infographics, the research titled "Agri-tech & Food Security in the GCC" focuses on the wide-ranging initiatives for agricultural innovation and food production taking shape across the region.

It explains the region's long-standing food security concerns, such as water shortages and a lack of arable land — which have been exacerbated by climate change.

The paper also addresses the additional impact of global supply chain interruptions created by the pandemic and the more recent Russian war on Ukraine, which has increased the region's need to continue investing in domestic production capacity and agri-tech solutions.

The research examines the progress made across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) before and during the pandemic to minimise imports by investing in supportive technology solutions such as water management, with a focus on desalination. It points out that such measures have aided in the creation of an appealing investment environment for regional and international enterprises interested in the sector.

The CRR considers the challenges industry players face as they strive to ensure that new agri-tech solutions can mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce future risks. Global food production contributes significantly to harmful emissions, so the CRR considers the challenges industry players face as they strive to ensure that new agri-tech solutions can mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce future risks.

Jana Treeck, Managing Director, Middle East, said:

"Policymakers and business leaders in the GCC have long been collaborating effectively to address food security challenges. With the global pandemic and climate change exacerbating challenges in international supply chains and local production, there is renewed appetite for investments in innovative food production solutions. As a result, we expect to see continued growth in agri-tech start-up funding and M&A activity in food production in the years ahead.”

The CRR includes various case studies that detail important regional players' growth stories and development ambitions in the agriculture and food production industries. It also examines the work being done at the AOAD to support the development and promotion of agriculture sectors in the 22 member states and increase coordination in agriculture and food security issues.

Source: Oman Daily Observer