FAO Experts Assess Rain-Fed Farms in Jazan Region

A team of experts from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conducted a three-day field visit to rain-fed farms in the Jazan Region from April 8 to 10, 2025, assessing agricultural practices and supporting the region’s transition toward sustainable farming systems. The visit was carried out as part of ongoing cooperation between the FAO and the Jazan branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The delegation inspected research fields, seed and bio-laboratories, and several working farms across the region, meeting directly with local farmers and agricultural officials.

The engagement reflects Saudi Arabia’s expanding partnership with international agricultural bodies as the Kingdom pursues food security, water efficiency, and rural development under Vision 2030. Jazan, located in the southwest along the Red Sea coast, is one of the Kingdom’s most agriculturally distinctive regions, known for its fertile terraces, seasonal rainfall, and crops such as coffee, mangoes, and grains. Could this collaboration mark a turning point for rain-fed agriculture in one of Saudi Arabia’s most fertile regions?

Context and Background

Why does rain-fed agriculture matter so much to Saudi Arabia’s long-term food strategy? Rain-fed farming refers to crop production that relies primarily on natural rainfall rather than irrigation, making it especially vulnerable to climate variability but also uniquely sustainable when managed well. In Jazan, the combination of mountainous terrain, seasonal monsoon influence, and traditional terrace farming has supported agriculture for generations. However, these systems face mounting pressure from erratic rainfall, soil erosion, and limited access to modern inputs. The FAO visit was designed to evaluate exactly these conditions and identify practical pathways for improvement.

The cooperation between the FAO and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is not new. The Ministry has worked with international organizations to modernize agricultural practices, improve seed quality, and strengthen extension services for farmers across the Kingdom. The Jazan visit forms part of this broader institutional effort, which aligns with the National Agriculture Strategy and the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable resource management. Saudi Arabia has consistently emphasized that food security is a national priority, and partnerships with bodies like the FAO provide technical expertise and international best practices that complement domestic initiatives.

The timing of the visit is significant. As global food systems face disruptions from climate change, supply chain challenges, and geopolitical tensions, countries are increasingly looking inward to strengthen domestic production. For Saudi Arabia, this means not only investing in large-scale agricultural projects and smart farming technologies but also supporting smallholder farmers in regions like Jazan who produce food under challenging conditions. The FAO team’s assessment will likely inform future support programs, training initiatives, and infrastructure investments tailored to rain-fed systems in the region.

Key Details of the FAO Field Visit

What exactly did the FAO experts examine during their three days in Jazan? The team visited the research and agriculture center’s field, where they conducted a detailed inspection of rain-fed agriculture practices and technologies. A major focus was the center’s seed laboratory, where experts reviewed the range of seed varieties maintained and their role in improving agricultural quality through superior, disease-free seeds. This is critical because seed quality directly affects crop yields, pest resistance, and the ability of farmers to adapt to changing climate conditions. The laboratory’s work supports farmers by providing certified seeds that can thrive in Jazan’s specific soil and weather conditions.

The delegation also examined the center’s bio-laboratory, which contributes to food security by enhancing crop productivity and sustainability. Bio-laboratories typically focus on biological pest control, soil health, and the development of organic inputs that reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. For Jazan’s rain-fed farms, these innovations can help preserve soil fertility and reduce environmental impact while maintaining productive harvests. Engineer Awaji Abu Al-Ghaith, director of the research and agriculture center, briefed the team on the center’s activities and objectives, emphasizing initiatives in rain-fed agriculture and their contribution to food security and environmental sustainability. He also presented recommendations and ideas for advancing rain-fed agriculture and discussed the challenges these systems face in the region.

The FAO team then toured several rain-fed farms across Jazan, directly observing the efforts of local farmers, their agricultural methods, and the technologies they employ to preserve soil fertility and minimize water waste. This firsthand observation is essential for understanding how national policies translate into practice at the farm level. Farmers in Jazan have developed coping strategies over generations, including terracing, crop rotation, and water harvesting techniques. The FAO’s assessment will help identify which of these practices can be scaled up, improved, or combined with modern technologies to increase resilience and productivity.

International and Regional Impact

How does a visit by FAO experts to a single Saudi region resonate beyond the Kingdom’s borders? The collaboration signals Saudi Arabia’s active engagement with multilateral institutions and its willingness to share knowledge and learn from global expertise. The FAO, as the UN’s lead agency on food and agriculture, brings a wealth of experience from similar rain-fed systems in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By hosting such visits, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a responsible global partner in the effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to zero hunger, clean water, and responsible consumption and production.

Regionally, the visit underscores the importance of agricultural cooperation in the Middle East, where water scarcity and climate stress are common challenges. Jazan’s experience with rain-fed farming could offer valuable lessons for neighboring countries facing similar conditions. Moreover, the partnership reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a stability anchor in a region where food security is increasingly linked to political and economic stability. By investing in sustainable agriculture at home, the Kingdom contributes to broader regional resilience and demonstrates that environmental stewardship and economic development can go hand in hand.

The FAO’s involvement also brings international visibility to Jazan’s agricultural potential. The region is already famous for its premium coffee, which has gained recognition globally, and for its mangoes and other tropical fruits. Improved rain-fed farming practices could boost yields and quality, opening new export opportunities and supporting local livelihoods. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify the economy and promote non-oil sectors, including agribusiness and food processing. The knowledge exchanged during the visit may also attract further investment in agricultural research and infrastructure in the region.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why should the international business community pay attention to agricultural development in Jazan? Agriculture remains a vital source of employment and income for many rural communities in Saudi Arabia, and Jazan is no exception. Enhancing the productivity and sustainability of rain-fed farms can raise household incomes, reduce rural-to-urban migration, and stimulate local economies. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has been implementing programs to support farmers with training, technology, and market access. The FAO’s recommendations are expected to strengthen these efforts, ensuring that investments are evidence-based and aligned with international standards.

From a strategic perspective, improving domestic food production reduces reliance on imports and enhances national food security. Saudi Arabia imports a significant share of its food, but Vision 2030 aims to strike a better balance by boosting sustainable local agriculture where feasible. Rain-fed systems in regions like Jazan offer a low-water-footprint alternative to irrigated agriculture, which is crucial in a country with limited renewable water resources. By optimizing these systems, the Kingdom can increase self-sufficiency in certain crops while conserving water for other uses. The economic benefits extend to the entire value chain, from seed production and farm inputs to processing, packaging, and export.

Furthermore, the collaboration with the FAO can help Saudi Arabia access international funding and technical assistance for climate-smart agriculture projects. Global climate funds and development agencies often prioritize initiatives that demonstrate environmental sustainability and social inclusion. By documenting best practices and measurable outcomes in Jazan, the Kingdom can build a strong case for such support. This, in turn, can accelerate the adoption of modern technologies, such as precision irrigation, soil sensors, and drought-resistant crop varieties, among smallholder farmers.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the FAO visit connect to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? The Vision, launched in 2016, is a comprehensive roadmap to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and enhance quality of life. Environmental sustainability and food security are integral pillars. The National Environment Strategy and the National Agriculture Strategy both emphasize the need to balance development with the preservation of natural resources. The Jazan initiative directly supports these goals by promoting sustainable farming practices that protect soil and water, while also improving productivity and rural incomes.

Vision 2030 also calls for greater international cooperation and knowledge exchange. By partnering with the FAO, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to global efforts to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture. The Kingdom’s leadership in this area enhances its standing as a responsible global actor and a catalyst for positive change. As the FAO team concludes its assessment, the insights gained will inform policies and programs that can serve as a model for other regions in the Kingdom and beyond. Ultimately, the success of rain-fed agriculture in Jazan is not just about crops; it is about building a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future for Saudi Arabia and its people.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the purpose of the FAO team’s visit to Jazan?

A1. The FAO team visited to assess rain-fed agricultural practices and support Jazan’s transition to sustainable farming systems, as part of ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Q2. When did the FAO field visit take place?

A2. The visit occurred from April 8 to 10, 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency, which reported the details of the three-day mission.

Q3. Which Saudi ministry partnered with the FAO for this visit?

A3. The Jazan branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture partnered with the FAO, continuing a broader institutional collaboration focused on sustainable agriculture.

Q4. What specific facilities did the FAO team inspect?

A4. The team inspected the research and agriculture center’s field, seed laboratory, and bio-laboratory, reviewing seed varieties and biological contributions to food security.

Q5. Who briefed the FAO team on the center’s activities?

A5. Engineer Awaji Abu Al-Ghaith, director of the research and agriculture center, briefed the team on objectives, initiatives, and challenges in rain-fed agriculture.

Q6. What is rain-fed agriculture?

A6. Rain-fed agriculture relies primarily on natural rainfall rather than irrigation, making it sustainable but vulnerable to climate variability and requiring careful water and soil management.

Q7. Why is Jazan important for rain-fed farming in Saudi Arabia?

A7. Jazan’s mountainous terrain, seasonal rainfall, and traditional terraces make it one of the Kingdom’s most suitable regions for rain-fed agriculture, supporting crops like coffee and mangoes.

Q8. How does the seed laboratory help local farmers?

A8. The seed laboratory provides superior, disease-free seeds that improve crop quality, yields, and resilience, helping farmers adapt to Jazan’s specific soil and climate conditions.

Q9. What role does the bio-laboratory play in food security?

A9. The bio-laboratory enhances crop productivity and sustainability through biological pest control, soil health improvement, and organic inputs, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Q10. What challenges do rain-fed systems in Jazan face?

A10. They face erratic rainfall, soil erosion, limited access to modern inputs, and climate variability, which threaten productivity and require adaptive management strategies.

Q11. How do local farmers preserve soil fertility?

A11. Farmers use techniques such as terracing, crop rotation, and water harvesting to preserve soil fertility and minimize water waste, as observed by the FAO team.

Q12. What international impact could this collaboration have?

A12. It signals Saudi Arabia’s engagement with multilateral institutions and could offer lessons for other countries facing similar water scarcity and climate challenges.

Q13. How does the visit align with Vision 2030?

A13. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of food security, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation, contributing to a diversified and resilient economy.

Q14. What economic benefits might result from improved rain-fed farming?

A14. Improved practices can raise household incomes, reduce rural migration, stimulate local economies, and open export opportunities for premium crops like Jazan coffee.

Q15. Why is water efficiency crucial for Saudi agriculture?

A15. Saudi Arabia has limited renewable water resources, so optimizing rain-fed systems helps conserve water while maintaining food production and supporting national food security.

Q16. What technologies did the FAO team observe on farms?

A16. The team observed technologies and methods used by farmers to preserve soil fertility and minimize water waste, including traditional and modern techniques suited to the region.

Q17. How does the FAO support Saudi Arabia’s agricultural goals?

A17. The FAO provides technical expertise, international best practices, and assessment tools that complement national initiatives to modernize agriculture and enhance sustainability.

Q18. What are the next steps after the FAO assessment?

A18. The insights will inform future support programs, training, and infrastructure investments tailored to rain-fed systems, potentially guiding policy and resource allocation.

Q19. How does this visit reflect Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A19. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to global food security efforts, responsible environmental stewardship, and active participation in multilateral cooperation.

Q20. What is the long-term vision for Jazan’s agriculture?

A20. The long-term vision is a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that contributes to food security, rural development, and the Kingdom’s overall economic diversification.

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