Do Non-Agricultural Sectors Affect Food Security in Saudi Arabia?

Abda Emam () and Egbal Elmsaad
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Abda Emam: Department of Agribusiness and Consumer Sciences, College of Agricultural Science and Food, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Egbal Elmsaad: Department of Agricultural Systems Engineering, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic goal that aims to diminish Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil and diversify its economy, which requires considering the agricultural sector a target sector (among others). The agricultural sector represents the backbone of food security. This research aimed to assess the influence of the industrial sector, employment, and service sector on the agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia. Secondary data for the period from 1991 to 2022 were collected and analyzed using the ARDL model test, vector error correction, the Granger causality test, and multiple regression models. In addition, an impulse test was used to highlight the leading variables among all the variables under study, and quantitative analysis was performed to assess the impact of growth sectors on food security. The results point to the existence of long-term integration between the variables. Industrial and employment factors negatively affected food security (value-added agriculture), while the service sector had a positive effect. Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations were drawn: Policymakers should invest in technology and mechanization to fulfill labor requirements and enhance agricultural education and training. Integrated development plans should be adopted through design policies that combine agricultural and industrial growth, such as agro-processing industries, which add value to agricultural products. Dual-sector development strategies should be established to encourage exchange between sectors by fostering linkages, such as supplying industrial support for agricultural mechanization and irrigation.

Keywords: food security; econometric analysis; industrial sector; services sector; employment sector (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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