FOOD SECURITY AS A PRELUDE TO SUSTAINABILITY: A CASE STUDY IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, ITS IMPACTS ON THE AL KHARJ COMMUNITY IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Food security is an absolute necessity for human wellbeing. Food insecurity could adversely affect national security and sustainability. As food security is reliant on agriculture, self-sufficient agricultural industry is the basis of the economic strength of any nation. The current food supply in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from the available domestic sources is far below the required domestic demand. The country meets its food requirements through imports, which is as high as 80%. The present study investigated the problems faced by the agriculture sector in Al Kharj region. The data for the study has been collected through field visits in farms in Al-Kharj. The study has succeeded in identifying the problems faced by the farmers of the region, and has made some suggestions. Though the study is conducted in one region of the country, it has applicability in the entire Gulf region, as the problems faced by them are same and similar in nature. It is expected that the study will act as a trigger for further research.