Increasing the Resilience of the Food Systems
In Islamic States in Face of Future Food Crises
123
Strategy to mitigate concerns of seawater intrusion that were escalating soil salinity levels in
coastal areas.504
In 2017 the Middle East Desalination Research Centre and the Korea Agency for Infrastructure
Technology Advancement signed a MOU to work together on seawater desalination technology
to minimize the usage of scarce groundwater resources. 505
Lessons Learned
Area Lessons and examples for the OIC to draw
upon
Where experience differs from
the OIC
Government
Policy and
Structure
Oman has a well-established institutions
spanning agriculture, research, investments
and fisheries that are instructive for all
members
OIC countries will differ in their
ability to fund dynamic
institutions, and hence a
dedicated food security agency
may be appropriate for the
most vulnerable countries that
evolves over time.
Monitoring Ongoing surveys are undertaken to assess
the incidence of diseases
Other OIC member states may
need to more acutely measure
the immediate risks of food
crises.
Mitigation Extensive risk assessments are undertaken
related to climate change and adverse
environmental outcomes, with a strong
push to develop the fisheries sector and
reduce import reliance
The level of funding may not be
at the level needed to match
Oman, hence closer
partnerships between OIC
member states and with
multilateral institutions may be
required.
Adaptation Oman has well-established safety nets that
span food subsidies and school nutrition
programs
Building
Resilience
Oman has established a sovereign wealth
Fund, the Food Investment Company, to
boost domestic production and also
established domestic universities and
research programs, backed by substantial
R&D
A phased approach may be
needed to build R&D capacity
over time. Sovereign wealth
funds may not be a realistic
option for many countries,
hence access to an OIC-wide
fund is essential.
Cooperation Oman has worked closely with UNFAO and
the World Bank, as well as wit GCC
counterparts on food security
Intra-OIC partnerships and
cooperation would help the
most vulnerable members
establish the best strategic
priorities.
504 Ibid.
505 Ibid.