On March 15 and 16, 2020 the International Conference “Enhancing Food Security in Qatar: Towards a Productive, Innovation-Driven and Sustainable Local Food Production” takes place at the Qatar University in Research Complex Auditorium (H10).
Food security has recently featured as a critical priority for the State of Qatar. Denied food supplies from Saudi Arabia following the blockade of June 2017 has exposed the high dependence of Qatar on imports, the limits of import-based food policies and the need to sustainability increase the local production. Since then, the Qatari agricultural sector is under a growing pressure to enhance the local food production to realize the highest possible levels of self-sufficiency. However, agricultural activities are limited by several natural constraints, such as scarce freshwater resources, harsh climate and poor soils. Furthermore, agriculture has been traditionally based on open field irrigation with a low water use efficiency. Hence, there is a need for a transition towards sustainable food systems that ensure food and nutrition security. Indeed, agriculture should be productive and sustainable at the same time. In this context, new technologies, innovations and R&D suitable for local conditions can be used alongside local and traditional knowledge. The goal is to increase the productivity and the sustainability of the local food production, within an enabling environment characterized by efficient, holistic and comprehensive policies.
The main goal of this scientific conference is to bring together international and local experts from academia, industry and relevant stakeholders, to discuss and share the most recent research results and international best practices regarding food security, sustainability and innovation within the agriculture sector from a social science and policy perspectives. Particularly, the conference welcomes contributions that outline technological and policy solutions, discuss balanced socio-technical or socio-ecological innovations, propose pathways for increasing sustainability in the food sector, and engage with the needs of local stakeholders such as farmers.
Abstract Submission
The Organizing Committee kindly invites you to submit abstracts, for oral presentations, in English or in Arabic. We welcome submissions from diverse and international contexts, with priority given to proposals that investigate topics related to Qatar, the Gulf region and dryland areas. Accepted papers will be published in a scholarly book providing that the author(s) present the work at the conference. Given that full papers will be peer-reviewed and should enhance knowledge and contribute to the current debate regarding the issue, publication is not guaranteed. Possible topics for papers:
- Food-water-energy nexus
- Managing and organizing innovation in agriculture
- Technology adoption in agriculture
- Policy, planning and food security
Important Dates/Deadlines
Interested participants need to submit an abstract of 300 words as well as an updated CV to: before January 31, 2020. Candidates whose abstracts are accepted will be notified by February 15, 2020.
Please note that the accommodation for international speakers will be covered by the conference (up to three nights). There are no registration fees for the conference.
- This event has passed.