Developing Olive Production and its Role in Achieving Food Security amidst the Global Food Crisis

Abstract

This study examines the development of olive and olive oil production as a strategic pathway for enhancing food security, particularly in light of the worsening global food crisis and the associated volatility in food commodity markets. The research highlights the significance of expanding olive cultivation and increasing oil production as vital plant-based sources that can help bridge the food gap in vegetable oils and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

Furthermore, the study explores the concept of food security through a comprehensive lens, clarifying its core dimensions: food availability, access, and stability over time. It addresses the fundamental elements of this concept, focusing on its role in achieving national economic and social stability, and ensuring that individuals meet their basic nutritional needs sustainably under various circumstances.

In this context, the study discusses the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war and its impact on the global food security system. This conflict has led to severe disruptions in international markets, characterized by a significant surge in the prices of food, fertilizers, and energy, alongside the destabilization of global supply chains—especially concerning vegetable oils. The research also sheds light on the heavy dependence of many countries on vegetable oil imports from Russian and Ukrainian markets, which has exacerbated the food crisis for many importing economies.

Accordingly, the study emphasizes the vital role of olive cultivation and olive oil production in bolstering food security, given the sector's economic, social, and health importance, as well as its potential to diversify vegetable oil sources and mitigate global market fluctuations.

However, the study notes that investment in this sector is not without challenges and risks. Olive production is influenced by several uncontrollable external variables, such as climate volatility and natural conditions that may lead to yield reduction or crop failure, in addition to geopolitical and economic factors like wars and shifts in national agricultural policies. Consequently, the study stresses the necessity of adopting preventive strategies and precautionary plans to mitigate these risks, ensuring production sustainability and reinforcing its role in supporting food security