In rural Saudi Arabia, an innovative initiative is increasing livestock productivity and improving income generation for smallholder farmers and herders. A Farm Service Delivery Model (FSDM) is being launched in the Northern Border and Jazan regions in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) of Saudi Arabia, as part of the ongoing project on Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development (SRAD) project implemented by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in collaboration with Saudi Reef and MEWA. This initiative addresses key constraints faced by goat and sheep owners, such as poor productivity, high mortality, limited water resources and vegetation in challenging terrains.A Farmer-Centric ApproachRecognizing the challenges faced by small-holder farmers, the FSDM offers a suite of targeted services tailored to their specific needs. Trained local animal production technicians visit farms on a predetermined schedule to deliver essential and critical services and empower farmers with the tools and knowledge required for pest and disease management, animal nutrition, hygiene standards for milk products. Inputs such as vaccines, medicines, small farm equipment and disease diagnostics are provided by FAO and MEWA for these pilot programmes. Service delivery operations are monitored through a dashboard, allowing the field technician to analyze data, identify bottlenecks and introduce improvements.Services that Make a DifferenceThe success of the FSDM lies in its targeted, focused and impactful services:Animal identification and tracking: Farmers benefit from precise livestock tracking and management systems, enabling better oversight of their herds.Guidance on husbandry and feeding practices: By adopting best practices in animal nutrition and welfare, farmers have observed significant improvements in their livestock’s health and productivity.Breeding and reproduction management: Advanced techniques like ultrasonography have helped farmers optimize reproductive performance, ensuring healthier offspring and increased fertility rates.Preventive healthcare: Regular vaccination and deworming schedules have significantly reduced disease risks, contributing to healthier herds.Curative health care on call: Immediate responsive treatment for livestock health issues ensures timely intervention and minimizes losses.Housing and welfare advisory: Improved animal housing designs have led to better health conditions and overall productivity.Farmers who have adopted the FSDM have experienced notable outcomes, including:Increased Productivity: Lambing rates have increased from 0.7 to 0.9 lambs per ewe annually, transforming livestock yields and boosting income.Improved Livelihoods: Enhanced healthcare and preventive measures have reduced disease-related losses, allowing farmers to focus on growth and development.Empowered Communities: Equipped with better tools, knowledge, and resources, smallholder farmers are now key contributors to rural economic development.A vision for the future“The results are encouraging, but we must reach more farmers, as sheep and goat ownership is integral to the rural lifestyle across Saudi Arabia,” said Kakoli Ghosh, Chief Technical Advisor, Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Project.The success of the FSDM in pilot regions presents a replicable model for expansion and uplifting rural communities. It may also create business opportunities for local youth as service providers. By focusing on sustainable practices and farmer empowerment, the FSDM is transforming livestock productivity and rural agrifood systems through a new roadmap for better production and better livelihoods.

In Saudi Arabia, crop production is confined to a limited area, primarily in the southwestern regions, mainly in Jazan and Asir, which receives relatively better rainfall (up to 450 mm at some areas) suitable for rainfed crops. Sorghum, pearl millet and sesame are the predominant crops in these regions, cultivated by smallholder farmers using traditional methods, occupying over 50 percent of the cultivated area. Production and productivity are constrained by factors related to lack of improved varieties and seed chains, insufficient context-specific management practices including pest and disease management and limitation in farmers` skills and capacities. These challenges impact smallholders’ income and rural livelihoods, highlighting the need for integrated policies, practices, technologies, and innovations to increase productivity while safeguarding livelihoods and the natural resources that sustain agrifood systems.The rainfed cereals component of the ongoing Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development (SRAD) project implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Saudi REEF and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), focuses on introducing improved genotypes of sorghum, pearl millet and sesame. Farmers in the region predominantly grow age-old cultivars, as there is no systematic crop improvement or seed production for these crops to provide quality seeds of improved varieties. This strategic partnership is strengthening farmers’ capacities through targeted collections of local germplasm, the development of community seed banks, the creation of digital catalogues on pest and disease management, and the improvement soil and water management to enhance sustainable rainfed cereal production.In a groundbreaking initiative, the SRAD project, in partnership with ICRISAT introduced 47 improved genotypes in 2023 comprising 24 sorghum, 12 pearl millet and 11 sesame genotypes for trials in Jazan and Asir regions. The project also trained staff at the newly established Rainfed Cereals Research Unit of the Agricultural Research Center (ARC) - Jazan, in scientific evaluation of improved varieties, pest and disease identification and management, and local germplasm collection. The team conducted trials and assessed the performance of the introduced improved genotypes vis-à-vis the best checks in three replicated trials with two planting dates both at ARC Jazan for coastal ecology and Seed Multiplication Station at Abha for mountainous ecology. Furthermore, some of the improved technologies were introduced in selected farmer demonstration fields.Promising genotypes of sorghum, pearl millet and sesame, adapted to rainfed cereal growing regions of Saudi Arabia, have been identified and are currently under validation. Among these, one of the improved biofortified sorghum lines ICSR 14001 (Parbhani Shakti), assessed in isolated fields under farmers’ management conditions at Jazan, has demonstrated extraordinary performance. Testing showed that Parbhani Shakti sorghum genotype has outyielded the best check in the farmers' fields. It has attracted the attention of many local farmers who are eager to grow it in their fields.Parbhani Shakti is a biofortified sorghum variety, rich in iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and protein content, with high grain yield, larger grain size and increased biomass yield. This variety has the potential to enhance food and nutritional security in dryland areas while contributing to increasing fodder supply for livestock."The introduction of these improved crop varieties can usher in a new era for rainfed cereal production across the entire southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Thanks to the local farmers, the MEWA leadership in Jazan and Abha and Saudi REEF team for their strong partnership,” said Kakoli Ghosh, Chief Technical Advisor, the SRAD project.What began as a small idea has blossomed into an innovative collaboration effort among MEWA, Saudi REEF, FAO and ICRISAT under SRAD project, directly benefiting local farmers. As a next step, efforts are underway to establish a ‘Community Seed Bank’ aimed at supplying quality seeds of improved varieties to farmers as well as identifying sorghum and pearl millet genotypes suitable for use as multicut forages. This initiative has significant potential to increase farmers’ yields while optimizing water use compared to other crops, thereby strengthening rural agrifood systems in the region.

The coastal mangroves of Saudi Arabia, home to two crucial tree species - Rhizophora mucronata or Avicennia marina, known as the richest and most diverse and productive ecosystem, providing essential provisioning, regulatory, cultural, and supporting services. Saudi Arabia mangroves is also an important carbon sink and carbon rich, play its role in climate change mitigation and vital for biodiversity and marine life. The mangroves serve as a sanctuary for a myriad of waterfowl, fish, including commercially valuable shrimps, and serve as the breeding and spawning grounds for many fish population.Threats to mangroves and coastal habitats in the regionPlaying a pivotal role in the food chain, food security, and the livelihoods of many fishermen and nomads, major part of mangroves in the region are facing multiple threats such as grazing by camels, timber cutting, pollution from solid wastes and sewage, as well as physical alterations to the coastal habitat. These threats, as highlighted in a 2004 report by PERSGA/GEF, span from local activities to global issues including uncontrolled coastal development, various forms of coastal and marine pollution, unsustainable utilization practices, shipping impacts, and disturbances linked to projected climate change.The report unveiled that the degradation of wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds has been linked to various factors, including excessive filling and dredging of coastal waters for industrial, residential, and road construction, accounting for 70 percent of the degradation. Additionally, uncontrolled browsing and grazing by camels contribute to 20 percent, while sand encroachment accounts for 5 percent. The remaining 5 percent is attributed to oil spills, pollution, and toxic sewage discharge. Awareness campaign on Mangrove Conservation Day"The imminent degradation and deforestation of our wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds demand immediate attention and action from the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) to combat threats posed by human activities," stated Ahmed AlMansi at the special pavilion located at the headquarters of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification in Riyadh. The pavilion, dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of mangrove trees and their crucial role, in conjunction with the celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem and it was also featured in other locations such as Dammam (Eastern Province), Jazan, Aseer and Jeddah."NCVC has been actively planting mangroves since 2020, and it has been a significant success. To date, NCVC has planted more than 37 million saplings along the coasts of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf in collaboration with local stakeholder and partners such as Aramco, Ma’aden, Red Sea Global and the local community," said Ahmed proudly and added, “Our vision for 2030 is to plant 100 million mangrove trees, contributing to marine ecosystem health and blue carbon preservation.”Mangrove honey production and community benefits"Six tonnes of mangrove honey were produced in 2023. These mangrove tree plantings enable another income generation for communities along the coasts and improve the marine ecosystem accordingly," explained Abdullah. H. Alwabaid at awareness campaign to spread the significance of mangrove trees and their crucial role in sustaining ecological balance and biodiversity.FAO and NCVC collaboration for sustainable mangrove management"Through the integration of innovative technologies and capacity building initiatives for local communities and institutions, FAO aims to establish a comprehensive and sustainable management system in collaboration with NCVC," stated Raees Khan, Technical Adviser at the FAO Forestry unit for Natural Resource Management (NRM) in Saudi Arabia. "Our team will and jointly work with NCVC to develop context specific management plans, assessing the current state of forests, identifying causes of degradation, and proposing appropriate interventions and technologies of restoration, climate change mitigation, and promoting livelihoods, coastal resilience and biodiversity conservation." Raees emphasized that joint working will be based and capitalized on FAO's vast global experience and expertise in mangrove management and plantation establishment to further promote the conservation, development and protection of mangrove ecosystems for a greener future of Saudi Arabia. 

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT), jointly organized a training workshop on 14 to 18 July 2024, for about 46 participants from 14 national stakeholders. These stakeholders include several departments of NCVC, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) and relevant universities, focused on strengthening their capacity in developing a sustainable land management (SLM) framework in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Training workshop strengthens NCVC, MEWA and universities’ capacity for developing SLM framework in Saudi Arabia“The cooperation between NCVC and FAO has been instrumental in enhancing joint efforts for sustainable natural resources development in Saudi Arabia,” said Mohamed Al Saeed, Director of the Department of Mitigation of Drought, speaking on behalf of the NCVC at the opening ceremony of the training workshop held at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Riyadh. Al Saeed emphasized the importance of collaborating with an elite group of experts, specialists and stakeholders to strengthen partnership and unify efforts in protecting the environment, improving vegetation cover and combating desertification. He noted that the stakeholders’ engagement reflects the extent of their commitment to environmental and sustainability issues and underscores the importance of cooperation between different parties to achieve Saudi Arabia’s environmental goals.“Environmental challenges in Saudi Arabia necessitate strong cooperation, solidarity and the adoption of best global practices in natural resources management,” added Al Saeed as he spoke about the series of fruitful meetings held to discuss compatibility and ways to enhance the joint efforts. Through this workshop, NCVC aims to strengthen its technical and administrative capabilities, and to exchange ideas and experiences with our international partners.Al Saeed extended his deepest appreciation to FAO and WOCAT for their continued support and cooperation and thanked the participants for their active engagement and great keen interest in environmental and sustainability issues. He concluded by expressing NCVC’s aspirations and anticipation of achieving positive and tangible results through this constructive cooperation. Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable rural agriculture“Efforts to combat climate change and enhance sustainable agriculture are crucial for securing food security and improving livelihoods in hyper-arid regions,” Kakoli Ghosh, speaking on behalf of FAO Saudi Arabia, and welcoming the WOCAT team and participants from different sectors. Ghosh commended Saudi decision-makers for their strong support for the development of scientific and sustainable solutions in reducing land degradation and mitigating sand encroachment to improve the rural economy. She emphasized FAO’s commitment to providing best practices to achieve food security through piloting innovative and suitable solutions in the agriculture sector. She stressed that these efforts should continue, focusing on value addition, conserving natural resources and improving livelihood and income.Collaboration between FAO with WOCAT“Our collaboration with WOCAT is pivotal in developing SLM framework, which will play a key role in addressing land degradation and desertification in Saudi Arabia while engaging a wide range of stakeholders to promote environmental sustainability,” said Jeremiah Njeru, Chief Technical Adviser of Natural Resources Management at FAO Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the collaboration between FAO and WOCAT through a Letter of Agreement, aims on strengthening the SLM in Saudi Arabia by developing an SLM Framework in partnership with the NCVC and MEWA. Njeru emphasized that an SLM framework will enable Saudi Arabia to effectively tackle land degradation and desertification, promote SLM technologies and practices across the Kingdom, and develop a platform for engaging all land sector stakeholders including government institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and local communities.Njeru also emphasized the overarching goal of promoting innovative SLM technologies and practices to prevent degradation, enhance ecosystem resilience, and contribute to the long-term environmental sustainability goals of Saudi Arabia, including the Saudi Vision 2030 and other climate, biodiversity, and environmental initiatives such as Saudi Green Initiative. He welcomed the WOCAT team and highlighted the workshop as the initial step in documenting and implementing sustainable land management in Saudi Arabia.Saudi gains essential knowledge in SLM and readinessThree experts from WOCAT, namely Rima Mekdaschi, Jonas Chastonay and Joren Verbist, actively participated in the 5-day training workshop. They presented a common understanding of SLM, a brief introduction to WOCAT focusing on database and its use, SLM and the landscape approach, WOCAT documentation, criteria for assessing the sustainability and suitability of good land management practices, using WOCAT data within the context of the SLM framework for Saudi Arabia and initial ideas for a platform specific to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, four experts from FAO Saudi Arabia, namely Sami Albarih, Mona Dawelbait, Mosaed Majrashi and Yahya Alotaibi, contributed by presenting the status of land degradation in Saudi Arabia, identifying hotspots and focus areas as well as organizing a field day in Thadiq governorate to document three technologies and one approach.Extensive discussions were held with 46 participants, with strong participation of Saudi females throughout the workshop. The training workshop concluded successfully, featuring a range of topics, including individual tutorials and practical sessions for participants to reflect on and apply their newly acquired knowledge in suitability, sustainability and documentation of technologies and approaches in the WOCAT platform.On the final day, a planning presentation highlighting the next steps was delivered, with ongoing efforts planned to document SLM practices in Saudi Arabia and establish a framework for integration into the proposed Arabic platform of SLM for Saudi Arabia. The skills and knowledge gained will be instrumental and play a crucial role in combating desertification in Saudi Arabia through the implementation of SLM practices.