SDG 2: ZERO HUNGER 

Introduction

Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. This goal is crucial in ensuring that people have access to nutritious food and can live a healthy life. The University recognizes the importance of SDG 2 and has taken steps to contribute to its achievement. This report will discuss how ASU and Bahrain as a country help in achieving SDG 2. Bahrain has made significant progress in achieving SDG 2. The country has implemented several initiatives to ensure food security and promote sustainable agriculture. The government has invested in modernizing the agricultural infrastructure and providing farmers with access to better technology and equipment. This has led to an increase in crop yields and improved food security in the country, Bahrain initiatives for this SDG are: (https://www.sdgs.gov.bh/Goal/?ID=IK/tzVKdHyOcO3eeXhegIg==):

The National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD)  

The National Initiative for Agricultural Development, which was launched in 2010 to implement the directives of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, is working on several projects that support agricultural workers, increase green spaces, stimulate, and support agricultural manufacturing industries. This includes providing support for the maintenance of the farmers markets in Budaiya and Hoorat A’ali, alongside the offering of agricultural programs to support entrepreneurs, in cooperation with Tamkeen, at the Agricultural Incubators Centre in Hoorat A’ali since 2018.

Agricultural Capacities

Developing local agricultural capacities is essential to safeguarding the supply of food against external shocks. The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture offers agricultural advisory services to 24 farms every month and follows-up on the progress of local agricultural production. The Ministry also offers a training program that has seen the enrollment of over 900 Bahrainis to learn the use of the latest farming techniques, develop their skills in managing the agricultural challenges posed by climate change, and how to maximize production yields considering environmental difficulties. Land availability is crucial, and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture offers lands that are suitable for agricultural investment through the government’s Land Investment Platform, which was launched in 2022.

Fisheries and Poultry  

The ASU community recognizes that collaboration and team spirit are at the heart of the corporate culture and promote these values ​​in a dedicated Fisheries is a key sector in Bahrain and the Government has been working on multiple initiatives. This includes facilitating training programs in fish farming with Tamkeen in 2019, setting up a new fish farm in the Southern Governorate in 2020, and collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other partners to develop two new state of the art fin fish hatcheries. The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture champions poultry projects, for example, with the 2022 expansion of the Delmon Poultry Company, that saw the company move to vertical construction to address the space challenge and raise its production by 50 percent  in the SDG 2 Zero Hunger, promoting and making more visits to different institutions for children and needy people with limited resources in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Within the University campus, there are just two locations where food is available: the cafeteria and the café. Each of these establishments has designated waste bins for food waste, which are collected and disposed of on a daily basis. The cafeteria has two waste bins, each with a capacity of 80 liters, while the café has only one waste bin with a capacity of 24 liters. This means that approximately 184 liters of food waste is generated daily, taking into account the 80 liters times two for the cafeteria and an additional 24 liters for the café.

At our university, we operate a cafeteria that offers a variety of meal options to cater to different dietary preferences. Our menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian dishes, ensuring that everyone can find something to their liking. By offering a diverse range of food choices, we aim to contribute towards achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by helping to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food.


We source our food items from local suppliers who in turn purchase their products from nearby markets. By prioritizing local sourcing, we aim to support the local economy while also reducing our carbon footprint. This approach also enables us to serve fresh and nutritious food to our customers while contributing towards the goal of SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

Applied Science University recognizes the importance of achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger, and to this end, conducts research to improve access to food security knowledge. Our university is committed to advancing knowledge and expertise in this area, with a focus on developing sustainable, cost-effective, and innovative solutions to address food security challenges.  Our researchers work to identify and address the root causes of food insecurity, including poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change. By conducting applied research and collaborating with local and international partners, we aim to improve access to nutritious food for all.  Our efforts towards SDG 2 are not limited to research. We also prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility in our operations, including sourcing food locally and reducing waste. By promoting sustainable food systems and sharing knowledge with our community, we hope to contribute towards a world where everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. Some of the research papers for this area are :

The ASU Community Engagement Office organised a campaign for distributing Iftar meals to the workers at Hoora area in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan on 8th April 2022. The campaign participants included the Community Engagement Committee, Dr Ramzi Nekhili the Dean of the College of Administrative Sciences, and Students of the College.

As part of the Applied Science University’s initiatives for community engagement and service, the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University organized a campaign to distribute iftar meals to the workers in Al-Hoora on Saturday, 8th April 2023, with the participation of many academic and administrative staff, the Volunteers Club, students, and graduates of the university.