Half of Kuwait’s land has potential to support agriculture
. . . with sustainable water solutions, research shows
Nearly 50 percent of Kuwait’s land has the potential to support agriculture if reliable and sustainable water resources are secured, according to a new study that highlights innovative water management as the key to strengthening the country’s food security and reducing its dependence on imported food.
The study, “Food Security: From Crisis Management to Self-Sufficiency,” by Dr. Ahmed Al-Qasabi, a researcher in physical geography and member of the Geographical Society, argues that Kuwait can significantly expand its agricultural sector by adopting integrated water management strategies tailored to its arid environment.
Al-Qasabi describes water management as one of the cornerstones of environmental sustainability and national food security, warning that climate change, declining and unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, higher evaporation rates, rapid urbanization and growing water demand are placing unprecedented pressure on the country’s limited natural water resources.
“Finding innovative and sustainable water solutions is no longer optional—it is essential for achieving long-term food security,” the study states.
Harnessing Untapped Water Resources
Rather than viewing seasonal rainfall and flash floods solely as environmental hazards, the study proposes treating them as valuable strategic resources.
It recommends expanding rainwater harvesting through dams, reservoirs and water-retention systems to capture and store runoff for agricultural use. Such measures, Al-Qasabi notes, would not only reduce the impact of flooding but also create an additional source of water to support farming.
The research also calls for greater use of treated wastewater for irrigation and afforestation, describing it as a sustainable solution capable of improving water-use efficiency while conserving scarce freshwater resources.
To maximize agricultural productivity under harsh climatic conditions, the study recommends expanding the cultivation of drought-tolerant crops such as date palms, olives, barley, sorghum and quinoa, all of which require significantly less water than conventional crops and are better suited to Kuwait’s desert environment.
Learning From International Best Practices
As a model for effective water management, the study highlights Singapore’s internationally recognized NEWater program, which transforms treated wastewater into ultra-pure water using advanced technologies including microfiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet disinfection.
The program has become a vital component of Singapore’s water security strategy, supplying water for industrial use and replenishing reservoirs while demonstrating how countries with limited natural water resources can transform water scarcity into a sustainable national asset.
Al-Qasabi concludes that with strategic planning, modern irrigation technologies and diversified water sources, Kuwait has the opportunity to expand domestic agricultural production, enhance food self-sufficiency and build greater resilience against future climate and supply chain challenges.
Seven Recommendations for Food Self-Sufficiency
The study outlines seven key measures to improve water management and support agricultural development:
- Harvest rainwater and floodwater through dams, reservoirs and storage lakes.
- Expand the reuse of treated wastewater for agriculture and afforestation.
- Increase adoption of efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation.
- Grow more drought-tolerant crops, including palms, olives and quinoa.
- Use remote sensing and geographic information systems to identify suitable water resources.
- Align agricultural planning with available water supplies.
- Reduce dependence on non-renewable groundwater resources.
Al-Qasabi concluded that strengthening water management is essential to building a more resilient agricultural sector and improving Kuwait’s long-term food security, particularly as climate pressures continue to intensify.
