SDG2: Zero Hunger

Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture, is vital for ensuring the health and well-being of the population. In Bahrain, particularly in the city of Al-Nahrain, the government is actively working to address food security challenges while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Government Efforts in Bahrain:

Food Security Strategy: The Bahraini government has developed a National Food Security Strategy that aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for its citizens. This strategy includes initiatives to improve local food production and reduce dependence on imported food.

Investments in Agriculture: The government is investing in agricultural development to increase local food production. This includes initiatives to modernize farming techniques, promote high-yield crops, and invest in research and development for sustainable agricultural practices.

Support for Farmers: Programs that provide financial and technical support to local farmers are essential components of Bahrain’s efforts to enhance food security. These initiatives help farmers utilize modern techniques, access markets, and improve crop yields.

Public Awareness Campaigns: To promote sustainable consumption and reduce food waste, the government conducts public awareness campaigns. These campaigns focus on educating the population about nutrition, food preservation, and the importance of local produce.

Collaboration with NGOs: The Bahraini government collaborates with various non-governmental organizations to implement community-based programs that address food security issues, including food distribution to vulnerable populations.

SDG 2 at Applied Science University (ASU):

Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain also plays a significant role in supporting SDG 2 through various initiatives:

Educational Programs: ASU offers programs in agriculture, food science, and sustainability that equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle food security challenges. These programs emphasize the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and innovations.

Research and Development: ASU engages in research focused on food security, exploring sustainable agricultural solutions, food preservation techniques, and nutrition. This research can provide valuable insights and contribute to national food security efforts.

Community Engagement: The university encourages its students to participate in community service projects that promote food security. Initiatives may include collaborating with local farmers or NGOs on food distribution programs or educational workshops about nutrition.

Partnerships with Stakeholders: ASU collaborates with government bodies, agricultural organizations, and private sector partners to advance initiatives related to food security. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange and promote innovative solutions.

Through these efforts, both the Bahraini government and Applied Science University are contributing to the achievement of SDG 2, working towards ensuring food security and enhancing the agricultural sector’s sustainability for the benefit of the population in Bahrain.

Sustainable food choices on Campus

ASU has a number of options to cater to the food needs of students, staff and visitors.

Cafeteria

ASU’s cafeteria offers a variety of meal options to cater to different dietary preferences. Our menu includes vegetarian, vegan and non-vegetarian dishes that are affordably prices, ensuring that everyone can find something to their liking. menu offers variety of dishes that are innovative and affordably priced. It has a broad selection of items that appeal to every taste and dietary restriction.

Derby Café

ASU café offers different sandwiches and beverages and different affordable prices.

Trolley Market

ASU also has a market that serves different varieties of products from food to stationary items.

It is also a place where students and faculty can take their visitors for brief coffee break or a lunch hour visit. In addition to the above-mentioned options, the university also has several tea and coffee, snack and water vending machines all of the campus. Should the food at campus not meet the needs of the students or staff, they are free to order through any food delivery service as they are allowed to enter the university campus.

Campus food waste tracking

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.

Sustainable food choices on Campus

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.

Sustainable Food Purchases

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.

Access to Food Security Knowledge

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 importance of the agricultural sector in achieving relative food security in the Kingdome of Bahrain https://www.asu.edu.bh/asu-icsf-2017-proceedings/
• Mahdi, O. R., & Nassar, I. A. (2021). The Business Model of Sustainable Competitive Advantage through Strategic Leadership Capabilities and Knowledge Management Processes to Overcome COVID-19 Pandemic. Sustainability, 13(17), 9891.‏ https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179891
• Ammar Al-Sammarraee and Nadya Alshareeda A Proposed Program to audit the Sustainable Development Goals in the Kingdom of Bahrain, ICITEE – ASU, 2019.
• Hanandeh, R., Alnajdawi, S. M., Almansour, A., & Elrehail, H. (2021). The impact of entrepreneurship education on innovative start-up intention: the mediating role of entrepreneurial mind-sets. World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development.‏ DOI 10.1108/WJEMSD-02-2020-0016

Iftar meals distributed during the Holy month of Ramadan

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4n67RusVPu/?igsh=MTAxN2Y4amNsMGkwdQ

Every year, ASU distributes Iftar meals during the Holy month of Ramadan which is organized by the Community Engagement (CE) Office. This is done on a yearly basis. In 2024, the CE Office organized a campaign for distributing Iftar meals to the community in the Hoora area on Saturday, 16th March 2024. A number of ASU academic and administrative staff, students and alumni as well as the local community participated in this joyous activity.

Iftar meals distributed by the Volunteer Club during the Holy month of Ramadan

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5dPQmss-y2/?igsh=bHpudDRocjF4cmdv

On 7th April 2024, organized by the Volunteers Club, ASU distributed Iftar meals during the Holy month of Ramadan in Hidd area. The Volunteers Club is formed by ASU students.

Ramadan Food Baskets distributed to Families in need

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4sEmpisyHw/?igsh=MWdiZ2VubzVqYjVwdg

ASU in coordination with the Community Engagement (CE) Office, distributed 500 food baskets for the families in need through the Al-Eker Charity Society on Friday, 22nd March 2024. This will be done on a yearly basis to aid the local community during the holy month of Ramadan.

Financial Aid to ASU workers

ASU provides monthly financial assistance to its workers, including security personnel and cleaners, to support their daily needs for food and other essentials. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to the well-being of its staff, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for a decent standard of living. By offering this support, ASU aims to foster a positive work environment and promote the welfare of all employees, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining the campus community.

ASU Research Papers targeting SDG2 – 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:

• Masri, H (2024), The Influence of Food Blogger Accounts on Consumer Purchase Decisions: An Empirical Study on Instagram in Bahrain, 2024 ASU International Conference in Emerging Technologies for Sustainability and Intelligent Systems, ICETSIS 2024, USA, https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10459579

• Masri, H. (2024), Innovative decision support tools for perishable food supply chain management, Management Decision, United Kingdom, https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/MD-12-2023-2378/full/html

Entrepreneurs Day at ASU

https://www.instagram.com/p/C45VgsFIJ5k/?igsh=Z3VtM2Qyb3owaDY2&img_index=1

https://www.instagram.com/p/C45VkB9IIh7/?igsh=ZXd5bjVtMzhreHhm&img_index=1

The university is committed to supporting entrepreneurial projects for students through the upcoming entrepreneurial market event. This initiative provides a platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas and startups, fostering creativity and business acumen. By encouraging student entrepreneurship, the university aims to cultivate a spirit of innovation and equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. The entrepreneurial market event not only promotes collaboration and networking among aspiring entrepreneurs but also enhances the university’s role in nurturing the next generation of business leaders.

Action Against Hunger

https://www.asu.edu.bh/category/news/page/13

On 4th of April, 2019, it was a long road for a great experience. “Action Against Hunger” with whom ASU students joined two weeks ago was not only a great learning experience, but also a blast to get to know. A humanitarian organization placing action plans to decrease the causes and effects of hunger worldwide had placed a 4-day session education plan in which we were glad to attend 3 of them. The plan revolved around nutrition education to pregnant and lactating Syrian female refugees in Baalbek camps. It was an absolute pleasure to get to know more on the works of this organization through this ground community work and learn the simplified manners of communication with individuals whose level of education in nutrition is affecting their health [3].

Student Restaurant Program

https://www.asu.edu.bh/

ASU is committed to its academic community in this sense, it has developed a new initiative for students with few economic resources, ASU recognizes their great effort and has created the “ASU Student Restaurant Program”, in which each student who needs help must present some requirements to be accepted in order to see if your economic situation warrants entering this initiative.

A College buddy needs your food aid

https://www.asu.edu.bh/

ASU want to help underprivileged students who currently have eating problems, the university made a call to students at the College of Administrative Sciences to donate food that will be delivered to students in a situation of low economic resources.

Iftar on the Road

https://www.asu.edu.bh/2017/06/iftar-road-holy-month-ramadan/

The Voluntary Club at the Deanship of Student Affairs organized a campaign in the Holy Month of Ramadan called “Iftar on the Road”, with the aim to offer the first meal to break the fast for Muslims on the roads. The campaign took place on Mondays and Thursdays during the month of Ramadan where the volunteering members packed the Iftar bags, then distributed them to people at the traffic lights during Iftar time. A large number of volunteers (students) participated in this campaign and more than 1000 bags were distributed so far. The members of the Club enjoyed this campaign.

The Arab Rally Entrepreneurship Competition

https://www.facebook.com/ASUBAHRAIN/photos/a.376526365721446/3143609889013066

The Arab Rally Entrepreneurship Competition was an opportunity for university students in the Arab world to present emerging business ideas and compete for huge financial prizes. The competition provided an opportunity for participants to develop society through their technological projects while raising their income level. Contest participants also had opportunities to present their projects to many company owners.

Idea fields for the competition:

• Agricultural technology
• The fourth-generation industrial technology
• Programming and applications
• Renewable energy sources
• Smart technology