Food Security Index

The Global Food Security Index (GFSI) considers the issues of food affordability, availability, quality and safety, and sustainability and adaptation across a set of 113 countries. The index is developed by Economist Impact and supported by Corteva Agriscience.

The index is constructed from 28 unique indicators that measure the drivers of food security across both developing and developed countries.The index construct scores for each of the 68 indicators, placing them onto a common scale where 0 indicates worst performance and 100 indicates best performance. The resulted scores are then multiplied by weights and added together to produce scores at the levels of the issue categories and the final GFSI

The Global Food Security Index (GFSI) provides a detailed assessment of food security across four criteria: Affordability, Availability, Quality and Safety, and Sustainability and Adaptation. In 2022, Bahrain ranked 38th out of 113 countries with an overall score of 70.3.

Affordability

Bahrain achieved a high score of 91.3 in Affordability of food, ranking 11th globally.

Strengths:

• Bahrain scored well in managing food costs, indicating stable and affordable food prices.
• Low poverty levels contribute to high food affordability.
• The relatively equitable income distribution enhances the population’s ability to afford food.
• Effective agricultural trade policies support food affordability by ensuring a steady supply of food imports (trade freedom, Agriculture tariff).
• Robust safety net programs help protect vulnerable populations from food insecurity.

Availability

Bahrain scored 60.1 in Availability of food, ranking 52nd.

Strengths:

• Investments in agricultural R&D enhance productivity and food availability.
• Adequate irrigation supports consistent agricultural output.
• Low levels of food loss indicate efficient food supply chains.
• Stability in agricultural production helps mitigate risks of food shortages.
• Ensuring a sufficient supply of food to meet the population’s needs.

Areas for Improvement:

• Developing a comprehensive strategy and establishing dedicated agencies can enhance coordination and effectiveness.
• Enhancing access to financial products and community support systems.
• Increasing support and resources for women in agriculture.
• Improving infrastructure for crop storage, market data access and mobile banking services.

Quality and Safety

Bahrain scored 65.0 in Quality and Safety, ranking 32nd.

Strengths:

• Bahrain performs well in providing a diverse diet to its population.
• High nutritional standards ensure the population receives essential nutrients.
• Good protein quality supports overall dietary health.
• Effective food safety regulations help maintain high standards of food quality.

Areas for Improvement:

• High sugar consumption is a concern.
• Implementing and promoting comprehensive dietary guidelines can improve public health

Sustainability and Adaptation

Bahrain scored 47.3 in Sustainability and Adaptation, ranking 78th.

Strengths:

• Bahrain manages water quality risks in agriculture effectively.
• Efforts to prevent land degradation and protect grasslands are notable.
• Conservation of marine biodiversity is a strength.
• Effective measures are in place to mitigate pest infestations and plant diseases.

Areas for Improvement:

• High exposure to environmental risks affects sustainability.
• Managing water quantity for agriculture remains a challenge.
• Improving soil organic content is essential for sustainable agriculture.
• Stronger political commitment and better coordination in risk management are needed.

Conclusion

Bahrain’s performance in the 2022 Global Food Security Index showcases several strengths, particularly in food affordability and quality and safety. However, there are areas that require attention, especially in sustainability and adaptation, and availability:

1. Affordability: Continue economic policies that ensure stable food prices and equitable income distribution.
2. Availability: Develop comprehensive food security strategies and improve infrastructure.
3. Quality and Safety: Promote healthy diets and implement dietary guidelines.
4. Sustainability and Adaptation: Enhance water management, soil health, and political commitment to sustainability