Conference discusses ways to improve global food security Tuesday, 28 June 2011 01:55

DOHA: Diversifying the economy, substantial investment in education and technology, and integrated policies are some of the solutions to the energy, water and food crises threatening the world, according to experts at the ongoing World Conference of Science Journalists 2011.

The session on ‘Energy, Water and Food Nexus: The Science of Optimisation and Sustainability’, discussed the link between energy, food and water resources and the initiatives to tackle the looming global problem with particular focus on Qatar National Food Security Programme (QNFSP).

As water tables fall globally, land degradation expands, and the world’s population grows to 8-9 billion by 2050, enhanced natural resources management will be essential to increase sustainable agricultural production and to improve global food security.

For Dr Christian Mersmann, Executive Director, Global Mechanism of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, it is a question not only of food security or huge import but also a question of food sovereignty.

Dr Mersmann cited Africa as an example where food can be produced but at the same time imports billions of dollars worth of food for its population. He said the science community should include the economic valuation of land in their research agenda and that governments should invest substantially in developing initiatives such as sustainable water management. “Investment in education and technology like what Qatar is doing is very important,” he said.

Illustrating the relationship between water and energy, Tony Allan, Head of London Water Research Group, King’s College London and SOAS, said in California vast amounts of energy are used in water pumping, treatment and heating. “Wasting water or energy is a bit of a crime,” he stressed, adding huge amount of water consumed every day is associated with food so it is imperative for consumers to avoid wasting food. “Farmers and traders are important but most important are the consumers because if they eat sensibly and don’t throw 30 percent their food which they do, this will definitely alleviate the problem.”

On food importation, he said it is normal but diversifying a country’s economy is an effective solution to the problem.

Dr Rabi Mohtar, Executive Director, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, said there are three issues facing water and energy in the Middle East, which includes the location, lack of awareness and integrated policies.

The region has the highest water consumption in the world and is expected to receive the most severe impact of climate change, he said adding a major cause is the people’s ‘wasteful culture’. “We consume more than we should,” he said. Among the solutions he suggested is for governments to have political will, an integrated policy on water, energy and food, and clean energy.

Dr Patrick Linke, Chief Engineer at QNFSP, said new and efficient technology will play a big role in the implementation of initiatives such as Qatar’s. “All technologies like solar and desalination which are all proven ones, are not any uncertainty but developing an efficient system governed by policies that allow synergies to take place naturally across all sectors,” he said.

Fahad bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Chairman, QNFSP, outlined Qatar’s ambitious programme set to work out a sustainable solution to an impending problem of food security in the country.

THE PENINSULA