The challenge of feeding escalating population in arid land countries

The chapter surveys selected literature related to the challenge of feeding escalating population in arid land countries. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and constraints of physical and socio-economic environments are analysed. Environmental features include low rainfall, highly variable timing of rainfall events with great variation in the amount of rainfall per event, dry environment, extreme temperatures, prolonged drought, increased evaporation, and soil infertility. Lessons learnt from recent extreme climate events and/or other national/global supply chain disruptions in feeding local population in arid land countries are recognized. Strategies used in producing sufficient food locally versus importing to feed their population are considered. Adopting capital-intensive high-tech production methods, such as greenhouse and hydroponic systems, are essential for increasing vegetable production in some situations. Many countries are already utilizing these systems while also importing vegetables to supplement local production to reach at a target self-sufficiency level. Challenges and opportunities posed by climate variability, climate change and future climate projection scenarios need deeper investigation in developing future strategies and action plan towards minimising risks and maximizing opportunities. Climate-smart and regenerative agricultural and land management practices (e.g., choosing appropriate crops and their planting window, timing, method and amount of water, nutrient application) lead to improved soil health, enhanced production of food with better quality and reduced environmental pollution. Favourable government policies including soil and water resources governance, human capacity building and knowledge sharing program, provision of adequate infrastructure, effective extension services, easy accessibility to financial support, and collaborative public/private partnership engagement would go a long way in developing successful strategies and programs to feeding escalating population with quality food.