Zero Hunger
Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Saudi Arabia, a country with vast desert areas and limited arable land, faces significant challenges in ensuring food security. However, the government has implemented strategic initiatives to meet these challenges, aligning its efforts with Vision 2030 and global sustainable development goals.
Efforts by the Saudi Government to Achieve SDG 2
Investment in Agricultural Technology:
The Saudi government heavily invests in agritech to overcome natural challenges like water scarcity and limited arable land.
Modern irrigation systems, hydroponics, and vertical farming techniques are being deployed to enhance agricultural efficiency and production.
The Saudi Green Initiative:
As part of Vision 2030, the Saudi Green Initiative focuses on expanding green spaces, planting trees, and improving water management to support sustainable agriculture and food security.
Supporting Local Farmers:
Subsidies and incentives are provided to local farmers to adopt sustainable practices and grow essential crops.
Farmers benefit from training programs, research facilities, and access to better equipment to increase yield and reduce waste.
Food Import Diversification:
Since Saudi Arabia imports over 80% of its food, the government has diversified its import sources to ensure a stable food supply.
Strategic international partnerships and investments in agricultural land abroad enhance food security.
National Grain Silos Program:
Saudi Arabia has built a robust network of grain silos to store and preserve large amounts of essential grains, ensuring reserves during emergencies.
Food Waste Reduction:
The government has launched campaigns like "No Food Waste" to raise public awareness about minimizing food wastage.
Initiatives to redistribute surplus food to the needy through charities and food banks are gaining momentum.
Nutrition Programs:
Government programs aim to improve nutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations, through fortified foods and public health campaigns.
SDG 2 at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)
As a leading institution in Saudi Arabia, IMSIU contributes to achieving SDG 2 through education, research, and community engagement:
Educational Programs:
IMSIU integrates topics related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition into its academic curricula, particularly in environmental science, economics, and public policy programs.
Research on Sustainable Practices:
Faculty and students at IMSIU conduct research focusing on innovative solutions for food security challenges, such as water-efficient farming techniques and sustainable food supply chains.
Collaborative projects with government bodies and private organizations support advancements in food technology and agriculture.
Community Outreach:
IMSIU organizes awareness campaigns to educate students and the local community about the importance of food security and reducing food waste.
The university partners with charities and non-profits to redistribute surplus food to those in need.
Campus Initiatives:
IMSIU promotes sustainable practices within its campus, including waste reduction, composting, and urban gardening projects.
Student-led initiatives encourage peers to contribute to achieving SDG 2 through innovative ideas and community service.
Islamic Perspective on Food and Sustainability:
IMSIU integrates Islamic teachings into its sustainability efforts, emphasizing principles like avoiding waste ("Israf") and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
Courses and seminars highlight the connection between faith and sustainable food systems.
Impact of IMSIU's Efforts on SDG 2
Through its academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement, IMSIU contributes to advancing food security in Saudi Arabia. By raising awareness and empowering future leaders, the university aligns with the nation's broader efforts under Vision 2030 to achieve sustainable development and ensure zero hunger.
Food Unit at the kindergarten
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/administrations/riyadhalatfal/activities/Pages/food1440.aspx
In this unit:
- Provide the child with the teachings of the true religion through the behavior followed when preparing and eating food by practicing Islamic literature.
- Participate in the preparation of different types of foods.
- Practice methods of prevention of electrical machines and sharp machines, which pose a danger to children and cause harm to them when preparing food.
- Identify some types of foods in terms of color, shape, texture, smell and taste.
- Identify with the help of the teacher some methods of preparing diverse food.
- Development of the child's vocabulary and linguistic expression in the subjects of food and nutrition.
- The child makes matches in the taste of foods and collects each item separately.
- Identify healthy habits in food.
Food Day
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/administrations/riyadhalatfal/activities/Pages/food.aspx
The kindergarten administration did a healthy food day in the garden of the outer building and put many guidance and educational boards that show the child healthy and unhealthy food and explain how to differentiate between them as the dining tables were decorated with the participation of the mothers of the children in beautiful and creative ways to endear the child with a healthy meal.
As for the teachers of the classes, they did many entertaining activities for children, including:
- The activity of sorting healthy food in one basket for unhealthy food in another basket.
- Participate with children in the work of healthy juice.
- Urging children to eat healthy because of the impact on their health and the safety of their teeth.
We thank everyone for their participation and constructive interaction.
Benefits of organic food
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/committees/Pcpep/news/Pages/%D9%81%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%BA%D8%B0%D8%A7%D8%A1%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B6%D9%88%D9%8A.aspx
There is little scientific evidence to prove that organic foods are better in quality than traditional foodstuffs, and the scientific research conducted so far on various organic foods has not been able to provide strong evidence about the superiority of organic foods over inorganic foods.Organic milk
Recent research conducted on organic milk has shown that it has more antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, and vitamins than inorganic milk. According to researchers at the Danish Institute of Agricultural Research at the University of Aberdeen and the Institute for Environmental and Grassland Research, organic milk is healthier than inorganic milk, since organic cows are grazing pastures leading to better quality of milk.
Organic tomatoes
According to a 10-year study by the University of California, Davis, organic tomatoes are produced in an environment that contains a low nutrient supply since nitrogen-rich chemical fertilizers are not added.
This leads to excessive formation of antioxidants, such as quercetin (top 79%) and caimferol (top 97%) in organic tomatoes. As I know we are all, antioxidants are good for health and help reduce heart disease and the chances of developing cancer (mRS).
Announcement of a visit to the Food and Drug Authority - Student Branch
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/colleges/science/announcements/Pages/announ200.aspx
The Department of Chemistry announces to its students a visit to the Food and Drug Authority on Tuesday, 1/2/1438 AH, those wishing to participate should quickly register their names with the Secretary of the Department, Mr. Khalid Al-Aswad, noting that this visit is the first for the Department this year, and comes within the programs of the Department to achieve the goal of its communication and communication of its students with the relevant community institutions.
Food from a Qur'anic Perspective
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/shis/malaz-inst/EduArticles/Pages/23-7-1439-m.aspx
Author: Dr. Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al-Wasil
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The agreement includes enhancing efforts and exchanging experiences, based on the Saudi Vision 2030 in promoting integration between the Authority and the University in building a strategic partnership through which to build a distinguished relationship between them that leads to the investment of common potential.
It is worth mentioning that this agreement includes supporting scientific research and studies in the field of food, nutrition and public health, exchanging data and statistics available to the two parties, exchanging advisory services and scientific materials, as well as the cooperation of the two parties in awareness campaigns, external events, exhibitions, conferences and scientific seminars, and cooperation in publishing and media coverage of events and events related to the subject of the memorandum.
The agreement includes the establishment of the "Imam University" Sharia Research Unit for Halal, to contribute to the work of studies and social research and the publication of special Sharia research related to them in international journals, in addition to providing studies on the Prophet's guidance in medicine.
The Food and Drug Administration will also increase the awareness of university students about pharmacovigilance and the importance of reporting accidents of medical devices and the prophylactic symptoms of medicines, through the preparation of research and scientific publications of the National Center for Vigilance and the National Center for Reports of Medical Devices and Supplies, in addition to holding scientific lectures and workshops.
Report of the field visit of the "Food and Drug Authority" - students of the Department of Chemistry
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/colleges/science/news/Pages/news6-1-11-2016.aspx
On Tuesday, 1/2/1438H, the Department of Chemistry at the Faculty of Science - Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University paid a visit to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority - Pharmaceutical Sector and this is his first visit in this semester, where he visited the following:
- n (Head of Chemistry Department)
- Prof. Dr. Magdy Elsayed Zaki (Undersecretary of the Department of Chemis
- try)
- (Professor of Organic Chemistry)
- Dr. Fouad Aref Ababneh (Associate Professor of Analytical
- Chemistry)
- (Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry)
- Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Heikal (Professor of Inorganic Chemistry)
es.
.
Week Twelfth: My Health My Life
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/shis/malaz-inst/activities/Pages/21-7-1439-f.aspx
1 / Provide the student with the correct scientific methods in proper food
2 / Educating the student about the harms of smoking
- Program
1/ Morning Radio
2 / Establishing an educational awareness program on the importance of health in human life
3 / Training program in the right scientific methods in healthy food
4 / Holding a lecture on the harm of smoking on humans
5 / Holding a seminar in coordination with one of the health centers on the importance of sports and proper food.
7 / Holding cultural competitions in the morning queue and during the release of proper food, sports and body health
8/ Visit to a sports or health club
Week XII - My Health My Life
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/shis/samita-inst/activities/Pages/21-7-1439-1.aspx
Target: Implementing Studey
Values served by the logo
- Provide the student with the correct scientific methods in proper food.
- Educate the student about the harms of smoking.
- Spreading the culture of sports, and its importance to man.
Program:
- Establishing an educational awareness programme on the importance of health in human life.
- Training program in the correct scientific methods in healthy food.
- Holding a lecture on the harms of smoking on humans.
- Holding a seminar in coordination with one of the sports or health centers or clubs in the province on the importance of sports and proper food on human health.
- Placing posters and billboards that serve the logo throughout the Institute.
- Holding cultural competitions on proper food, sports and body health.
- Visit to one of the sports or health clubs within the province.
The Deanship of Female Student Affairs Holds an Awareness Program on Healthy Iftar
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news-22-3-1439-7.aspx
Within the awareness programs organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs represented by the Deanship of Student Affairs under the supervision of the Department of Student Programs and Activities, the healthy Iftar program was held on Wednesday 18/3/1439 AH, in buildings 322, 323 and 326. It aims to educate students about the importance of breakfast and encourage them to eat it and emphasize the relationship between eating breakfast and increasing concentration, general health and psychological state, in addition to promoting health by modifying food behaviors with leaflets, educational awareness materials and various publications on balanced healthy food, avoiding harmful foods rich in salt, sugar and saturated with fat, and eating a healthy, balanced and integrated food that helps to build a healthy body free of diseases, God willing.
The event also included teaching students how to prepare a healthy breakfast rich in basic ingredients, distributing healthy meals to students and distributing awareness brochures.
Food Awareness Event for Cancer Control Held by the Investment Department in Female Students City
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news-18-7-1440-3.aspx
The Investment Department – Women's Section – in King Abdullah City for Tabat is holding an event in food awareness to combat and prevent cancer, lasting for five days from 17 to 21/7/1440 AH, covering all six buildings of the university, and this event, which is presented by 25 employees specialized in nutrition, aims to spread awareness in the field of healthy food among students, and introduce foods that cause some cancerous diseases, and ways to prevent them by following a healthy diet with exercise.
The Director of the Investment Department in the Women's Department, Ms. Maha Al-Turki, said that the event was held in conjunction with the month of (March), which is the World Month of Colorectal Cancer, where Arkan was dedicated to introducing the types of cancers, highlighting foods that prevent this disease, reduce its causes, and froth human immunity, while spreading some false rumors about the foods that cause it, and correcting them with proven scientific facts.
The event, which targets students and university staff, includes several educational awareness tools such as: leaflets and brochures, about all cancer diseases that may attack the human body, and the types of foods that are at risk of cancer, in addition to a visual presentation showing the factors of the disease, methods of treatment of it, as well as healthy food, its importance and its preventive role from this disease, and the event also includes the definition of charitable bodies and associations concerned with the fight against and prevention of cancer.
Food Waste on Campus
Food waste at Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is a primary focus area within the university's sustainability efforts, recognizing the negative impact of food waste on the environment. The university has implemented several programs and initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable culture on campus. These include:
A. Nutrition Programs and Services Offered to Students
Among the ongoing efforts to maintain food security, Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University established a Nutrition Department. Its main responsibilities include providing healthy and balanced meals for students in the university's cafeterias, instilling good dietary habits in students, and offering meals at nominal prices.
B. Easy Access for Students and Staff to Food Supplies
As part of the university's efforts to meet the dietary needs of its members, the General Administration for Business Development and Investment at Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has entered into contracts with over 41 companies. These companies include restaurants, cafes, healthy food suppliers, bakeries, fast food vending machines, and catering services. These services are strategically distributed throughout the campus to ensure easy access.
The university's Nutrition Department also oversees meal preparation and service, monitors health standards for operational staff, and ensures cleanliness of utensils used. Its scope includes controlling portion sizes in campus cafes and restaurants, encouraging students to take only what they will consume, setting specific standards for the university's food services, and monitoring their implementation. Additionally, it supervises food products concerning their freshness and quality, adhering to announced prices.
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University has several charitable initiatives, the latest being the organization of a Ramadan Iftar for fasting individuals, attended by the university president, several ambassadors, students, and officials.
Food Waste in the Community
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has launched numerous local community initiatives related to food security, empowering the internal community to acquire practical skills in resource management. This encourages them to adopt sustainable practices in their future lives. Its broader community impact includes reducing food waste in local communities and raising awareness about sustainability issues. Additionally, a cooperation agreement was signed between Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and the General Food Security Authority to enhance joint efforts in studying food loss and waste in the Kingdom. This agreement aims to conduct field research on this phenomenon and provide innovative solutions to mitigate it, contributing to better food sustainability. The benefits of the agreement include raising community awareness, improving food security policies, and reducing food waste, aligning with the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 for sustainable development.
A. Support for Local Farmers and Food Producers
https://x.com/imsiu_sd/status/1710953700993151315?s=12&t=cr_5XQJjES-6ocGvYBQs9A
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University supports projects that provide access to knowledge, skills, research, and technology to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture for local farmers. Initiatives like "Environmental Awareness and Sustainability" aim to maintain environmental health and raise awareness about food waste. An informative meeting on organic food day was organized in collaboration with the Saudi Organic Farming Association through the Environmental Club, aimed at introducing the general principles of farming, its goals, how to establish a sustainable management system, and producing safe, high-quality products.
Faculty members also contribute to agricultural support through published research, such as a lecture titled "Recycling Palm and Date Waste in Saudi Arabia and Utilizing It to Extract High-Value Natural Materials" by Dr. Nofal Ali Benhamadi. Students from Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University participated in the "Agriculture Hackathon" organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to encourage technological competitions that innovate solutions to the challenges faced by farmers and the agricultural sector, transforming those solutions into practical projects.
B. Cooperation with Local and International Organizations
http://iu.sa/Bg92G
The university collaborates with local agricultural organizations and international bodies to promote and develop organic farming and its products. Through these partnerships, such as the awareness event held for Organic Food Day in cooperation with the Saudi Organic Farming Association, the university engages in initiatives like the "Your Food is Your Medicine" program. This program aims to raise awareness about the importance of organic farming in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. It seeks to educate students about the realities of organic farming in Saudi Arabia, the outlets selling organic products, and the regulations governing organic agriculture to protect it from improper practices.
Additionally, the university fosters collaboration with local organizations by partnering with farms to offer their products at reduced prices for university staff and students.
C. Food safety requirements
Saudi Arabia follows strict regulations to ensure food safety and health. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) issues technical regulations that set requirements for food safety, food additives, inspection of establishments, and the handling of food products. The Ministry of Commerce enforces the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law, labeling regulations, and the organization of retail food sales. The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing mandates health requirements for food establishments, workers, and waste management. Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University applies these regulations in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of food offered in its facilities through regular inspections and monitoring adherence to health standards.
