The Issues of Food Insecurity and the Contribution of Qatar to the Social Problem

I lived in the richest country in the world and I did not like it. It perfectly fits the “rich is irresponsible” stereotype. Qatar, better known as the host of the 2022 Soccer World Cup, ranks the highest in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of 93,397.1 US dollars in 2014 (“GDP per capita”). To put it in perspective, with about 7 folds greater population and 800 times the area, Canada’s GDP is about half of Qatar’s GDP. With that being said, Qatar is a small country with big problems due to high consumption. The sudden and immense increase in income from oil revenue has been the main reason for the irresponsible use of resources by Qatari citizens. Money is a double-edged sword that could either lead to the country’s progression and uplift or the depletion of resources and corruption. Unfortunately, at the rate Qataris are consuming their resources, especially food, they are exhausting their economy and not considering future generations that will eventually have to pay for the all the spending. The high food consumption in Qatar has a negative influence on food production and wastage, health and health costs, and food security.

Firstly, high consumption of food leads to a high food wastage. Income has a fundamental role in shaping the food consumption patterns and choices in the Arab countries. The traditional diet in Qatar consisted mainly of grains and legumes (Miladi 23). However, it is believed that food subsidy policy has adversely affected the food habits in the gulf by encouraging the intake of fat, sugar, rice, wheat, flour, and meat. Between the years 1973- 1980, there was an annual 10% increase in the income from oil revenue in the Arabian Gulf States (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). This has inflated consumption drastically. For example, meat consumption in high-income Arabian countries had over a 200% increase in 1976-1980 (Musaiger 68). This increase remains consistent to this day. A high food consumption is accompanied with a high food wastage. Data show that Qatar has the highest food wastage out of all the Arab countries as 53% of their total waste comes from food (Qdais, Hamoda, and Newham 403). Moreover, according to Doha News, Qatar is one of the top ten countries in the world in terms of their per capita food waste, with 8000 tons of wastage per day. This number is expected to rise by 4.2% per year. Not to mention the waste produced by food plastic packaging. When thrown away, these packages cannot be degraded or decomposed and thus accumulate in landfills. This is the result of the extravagant lifestyle most Qatari citizens follow.

What is alarming is that the Arabian region does not contribute to food production, but only to its consumption. The climate in the Middle East, especially in the Gulf region, is characterized by uneven distribution of rainfall and wide lands of desert, making it very hard to grow crops and raise cattle. For example, food production has only increased by 2.2% in the Arab Countries in the last three decades, while the demand for food has increased by 5% (Miladi 23). Therefore, most of the food is imported which puts a burden on food production and, consequently, the environment. To begin with, food production relies heavily on water. It is important to note that drinkable water makes less than 1% of the entire water body in the world. If we remain oblivious to this fact and continue to consume and waste food at extremely high rates, it will greatly decrease the fresh water supply in the world. Furthermore, food production is responsible for the release of greenhouse gases, such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere (Godfray et al. 812). These gases come from food factories, transportation means used to import and export food, and animal waste. An increase in consumption puts a burden on production, which, subsequently, contributes into pollution.

Second, high food consumption and wastage in Qatar threatens food security. Research shows that the demand for food is increasing worldwide and it will accumulate up to 70 to 100% by 2050. One might blame the rising global population for this increase, but evidence shows that it is likely to plateau at nine billion people by the middle of this century (Godfray et al. 812). Thus, the demand for food is increasing despite the leveling of the population.

Most of the resources on the planet are decreasing and there is not enough land to meet the high demand. For example, according to Godfray et al., there are no new major fishing grounds left; nearly all capture fisheries are over exploited (813). This places a higher burden on fisheries that are still available, which will lead to their exhaustion as well. Furthermore, the rate Qatar and other developed countries are exhausting the food supply leaves those in the developing world struggling to sustain themselves. Godfray et al. mentions that more than one in seven people in the world face protein deficiencies and an even greater proportion suffer from malnourishment (812). Thus, it is essential that Qatar reduces food consumption and waste, as it has a severe effect on food security.

Obviously Qatar is not the only contributor to food insecurity in the world and it is not the goal of this paper to completely blame the problem on Qatar. Yet, it is very important to acknowledge that Qatar has a significant impact on the issue. The reason behind the Qatari extravagant food habits might go back to their generous culture. Throughout the years I spent in Qatar, I realized that the exaggerated food amounts are presented as signs of generosity and an expression of wealth. On the other hand, it is essential to consider the negative impacts of these extreme spending and consumption habits on the environment and other people who are deprived of sustenance.

Third, high food consumption in Qatar has proven detriment to the health of its citizens. Data done by the World Obesity Federation show that about one half of the adults and one third of the children in Qatar are obese, and nearly 17 percent of the native population are diagnosed with diabetes. This is partially due to the high incomes of Qatari citizens which allow them to hire personal chefs and maids (Musaiger 68). Chefs to make it easier for individuals to request almost any type of food (especially dessert) and house maids to take care of the house chores. This makes for a very sedentary life style, increasing their chances of being overweight and obese. Moreover, the increase in income in Qatar has increased consumption by encouraging the intake of fast and convenient food (Miladi 23). The increase in income comes along with the food subsidy policy to increase the consumption of fat, sugar, and other high-energy foods, all of which lead to obesity, heart disease, and dental cavities (Musaiger 68). In this case, the money is not only being wasted on consumption of food, but it is also being spent on treating avoidable health complications. Health costs could be better used to alleviate poverty and aid financial struggling residents. High food consumption in Qatar is the cause behind many obesity-related diseases that impact a great portion of the population. Serious awareness campaigns should be held to educate people about healthy living.

In conclusion, the high food consumption and wastage in Qatar negatively impacts the environment, health of the Qatari citizens, and global food security. It is essential to recognize the problem in order to find a suitable solution. Although it is considered an act of generosity to serve a surplus of food, Qataris need to realize that this puts a burden on food production and food security in the world as Qatar imports most of its food. As a result, the overwhelming increase in food consumption in developed countries, places more people in the developing countries in starvation. As well, high food consumption has a severe impact on one’s health and a damaging influence on the environment due to high industrial and agricultural wastage. Instead of being spent on lavish eating practices, excess capital could be invested in educating the public about healthy living and eating habits.

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