Dr. Ismahane Elouafi Speaks at EEG’s Community Lecture

The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) organized its 1^st Environmental Community Lecture for 2014 on 25 February 2014 in Dubai on the topic of Food Security – Meeting challenges through innovation. 

The community lecture shed light on food security, a multi-faceted challenge and a global issue today. To ensure food security, by 2050 the agricultural sector must produce enough food for a population of 9 billion, while providing employment and environmental services, and adapting to climate change. Studies have shown that to increase world production by 2050, we will have to increase agricultural production, particularly in marginal environments using innovative methodologies.

The speaker, Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), focused on innovations in technology, choice of right crop and innovations throughout the whole value chain starting from the crop/soil/water to the produce in the market. She elaborated on the potential of neglected and underutilized species in developing the crops of tomorrow.

Dr. Elouafi also talked about the studies conducted in the UAE for crops like Quinoa and leaf mustard. She explained how research to improve the productivity and value of these crops and its implementation would effectively contribute to food security.