Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Sectors in Kuwait

Abstract

The issue of limited agricultural land and production, rising food demand, and heavy reliance on imported foods in Kuwait have resulted in pressing concerns regarding food security and equity. Currently, Kuwait heavily relies on imports for over 90% of its food supply, which not only impacts the country’s sustainability but also affects other nations. Essential staples like rice, wheat, corn, milk powder, cooking oil, and chicken are particularly vulnerable to recent global price shocks. The consequences of climate change include rising temperatures, warming oceans, increasing incidences of droughts, losses in biodiversity, heightened health risks, and a decline in overall food production. These effects further strain an already stressed ecosystem as Kuwait lacks a comprehensive adaptive strategy that outlines both short-term and long-term action plans/goals to address these challenges. Specifically, within the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sectors while simultaneously equipping it to handle emergencies or hazardous crises. This paper aims to outline the issues of limited agricultural land and production, rising food demand, and heavy reliance on imported foods, and how Kuwait must prioritize the development and improvement of sustainable agricultural practices and technologies. Furthermore, identifying key stakeholders and their current roles and constraints.