Enhancing food security and self-sufficiency is not only a concern for Kuwait but for the entire Gulf region. The difference lies in the depth of vision and the optimal use of land, which allows our brothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to benefit from their wealth to diversify sources of income.
Despite similar climates and the persistent drought some of these countries face, they have managed to diversify their sources of income and use their land wisely. In most of these countries, both state-owned and privately owned lands serve the same strategic purpose – achieving food self-sufficiency and promoting domestic tourism not only in winter but throughout all seasons. I read in the newspapers of these countries that there are no strict conditions for granting farms to citizens, nor are there specific requirements regarding the types of crops grown or how the land is used.
Furthermore, some Gulf countries allow beneficiaries to allocate 20 percent or more of their farms, or as they see fit, for tourism and entertainment purposes to attract visitors who lack vacation destinations. This has enabled many citizens to rely on domestic tourism, reducing their need to spend money abroad. It has also empowered farm owners to diversify their crops, broaden their income sources, and offer valuable services.
In contrast, Kuwait imposes strict conditions on the allocation of agricultural plots. Because of these restrictions, beneficiaries face the risk of having their farms revoked, in addition to hefty fines and other difficulties. I have previously mentioned that the value of land is determined by the projects implemented on it.
In Kuwait, vast areas of undeveloped land remain unused, while a large segment of citizens neither own farms nor have places to spend their vacations. This number is expected to grow with the implementation of the new requirement for residents to obtain exit permits before traveling. If beneficiaries were allowed to allocate part of their farms for tourism, people would have access to recreational facilities, at least for weekend getaways. This proposal offers numerous benefits, including the establishment of desert or agricultural resorts, not only for enjoying nature but also for promoting environmental education. It would allow citizens to learn firsthand about agricultural activities and help develop new and innovative tourism products.
This would facilitate investment in the agricultural sector and increase state revenues. So, why doesn’t the government adopt the approach common in other Gulf countries and grant farm owners the freedom to use their land in ways that benefit both food security and tourism? Which is better - killing two birds with one stone, or continuing the constant threat of withdrawing agricultural land from beneficiaries? Revoking land plots serves no one, instead, it increases dependence on foreign sources for food. Allowing farm owners to allocate a portion of their land for tourism would be both beneficial and encouraging. Development is not merely a slogan to boast about, but it is a long-term process that requires the vision of a state capable of adapting to change and serving its people.
Protecting land goes beyond security and military measures; equally important is using the land to benefit the people. This goal cannot be achieved amid artificial government obstacles that hinder farm development. Farmers need incentives to innovate, make optimal use of their land, and diversify their sources of income. They also need an end to the widespread culture of envy. Kuwait lacks sufficient recreational and agricultural projects. If we utilize the land as Gulf states do, we will reap the benefits and encourage innovation in fields that support sustainable development.
Incentives must be provided to those with the financial capacity to develop this barren desert, and they must be encouraged. Please ease the pressure fueled by envy and jealousy. Those who have transformed barren deserts into productive green fields have invested a great deal of their own resources. The value of land lies not in the tons of sand it contains, but in the facilities built upon it. Therefore, let us end this futile debate. No achievement is made without mistakes, and the door should never be closed to good intentions because of a few errors.
