Agricultural Lands In Bahrain: A Geographic Overview

Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and over 30 smaller islands. The country's agricultural lands are primarily located in the coastal northern and western regions, particularly along the Qala’at Al Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These areas are known for their fertile soil and have a long history of agricultural traditions, including water irrigation systems developed by successive civilisations over 4,000 years. Despite the small size of northern agrarian areas, they hold universal cultural heritage significance.

The impact of urbanisation and depopulation of rural communities

Bahrain's agricultural lands, particularly the northern and western coastal areas, are known for their fertile soil. Historically, agriculture was an important sector of the economy, with date palm cultivation dominating before the development of the oil industry. However, the country has experienced a significant decline in agricultural land due to urbanization and the depopulation of rural communities.

The impact of urbanization and depopulation on Bahrain's rural communities has been significant. Between 2012 and 2019, many farms and green landscapes in the northern and western agricultural regions were almost totally destroyed and disappeared due to urbanization. This loss of agricultural land has had cultural, environmental, and economic impacts.

From a cultural perspective, Bahrain's agricultural landscapes are a testament to the country's deeply rooted history of agricultural traditions and water irrigation systems, dating back to the Dilmun civilization 4,000 years ago. The northern agrarian areas, despite their small size, hold universal cultural heritage significance. The sharp decline in the area of date palm farms due to urbanization has resulted in the loss of diverse terrestrial habitats that supported various plant, animal, and bird species.

Environmentally, the disappearance of farms and green spaces contributes to climate change and leads to direct health problems for residents. The remaining agricultural lands in Bahrain are facing increasing salinity of aquifers, impacting irrigation sources and further threatening agricultural activities.

Economically, the decline in agricultural land has had mixed effects. On the one hand, it has led to a decrease in private investment in agriculture due to the small plot sizes and maldistribution of land ownership. On the other hand, the government has implemented programs to expand domestic production of crops, resulting in significant increases in egg, milk, and vegetable production. However, the limited extent of cultivable land means that agricultural imports remain a permanent aspect of the country's international trade.

The depopulation of rural communities in Bahrain is closely tied to the urbanization process. As more people move to urban areas, the rural communities experience a decline in population, which can lead to a lack of skilled farmworkers and further contribute to the challenges in the agricultural sector. Additionally, urbanization can lead to social and health issues, such as inequality, environmental hazards, and communicable diseases, particularly for the urban poor living in unregulated and congested conditions.

Overall, the impact of urbanization and depopulation of rural communities in Bahrain has had far-reaching consequences, affecting the country's culture, environment, and economy. Preserving the remaining agricultural landscapes and addressing the social and health issues associated with urbanization are essential to uphold Bahrain's cultural heritage and improve the well-being of its citizens.

The history of agricultural traditions and water irrigation systems

Agriculture has historically been a crucial sector of Bahrain's economy, despite the country's low rainfall and poor soil. Before the discovery of oil, date palm cultivation dominated Bahrain's agricultural landscape, with at least 23 varieties of dates grown for domestic consumption and export. The leaves, branches, buds, and flowers of the date palm were also extensively used.

Since the 1950s, however, date cultivation has gradually declined due to changing food consumption habits and the increasing salinity of the aquifers that served as irrigation sources. By the 1980s, many palm groves had been replaced by other agricultural activities, including vegetable gardens, nurseries, poultry production, and dairy farms. This shift was also influenced by the discovery of oil, which led to economic growth and changing consumption patterns.

Bahrain's cultivated area has decreased significantly over the years, and the small size of most plots and the unequal distribution of land ownership have discouraged private investment in agriculture. Additionally, the number of skilled farmworkers has declined as more villagers pursue non-agricultural jobs.

Despite these challenges, the Bahraini government has implemented initiatives to support and expand domestic crop production. These include programs that provide free seeds, technical assistance for adopting more efficient irrigation technologies, and low-interest credit.

The history of water irrigation systems in Bahrain is deeply rooted in its agricultural traditions. For millennia, Bahrain was known for its natural freshwater springs, which were key to supporting agrarian communities on the island. Bahraini farmers constructed a sophisticated network of channels to assist in the regular distribution and flow of water for irrigation. This traditional irrigation system was informed by both pre-Islamic customary oral traditions and Islamic ethics, with codes regulating schedules, division, and equitable distribution of water.

However, with the introduction of modern irrigation techniques and individual farmers using water pumps, the traditional water management customs have been largely abandoned. This has led to uncontrolled usage of underground aquifers, resulting in over-exploitation and increased salinization of water reservoirs.

Today, Bahrain faces significant water stress and continues to grapple with the challenges of water scarcity and irrigation systems.

The distribution of land ownership

The unequal distribution of land ownership in Bahrain's agricultural sector has led to a situation where a small number of absentee landlords control about 60% of the country's cultivable land. These landlords, including the Al Khalifa family, rent their plots to farmers through three-year contracts. As a result, about 70% of Bahrain's 2,400 farmers do not own the land they cultivate. This maldistribution of land ownership has discouraged private investment in agriculture and has contributed to a decline in the number of skilled farmworkers as villagers pursue more lucrative, non-agricultural careers.

The Al Khalifa family's dominance in land ownership is notable, as they possess the most productive and extensive plots. However, specific details regarding the distribution of ownership among family members are not publicly available. Their significant landholdings contribute to their influential position in Bahrain's agriculture.

The Bahrain Culture Authority has recognized the significance of preserving the country's agricultural landscapes, particularly in the northern and western coastal regions, which are known for their fertile soil and historical significance. These areas, located mainly along the Qala’at Al Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage List site, are facing threats due to urbanization and depopulation of rural communities. The authority emphasizes the need to protect these agrarian practices, which date back thousands of years, to uphold Bahrain's cultural infrastructure and achieve sustainable development.

In conclusion, the distribution of land ownership in Bahrain's agricultural sector is concentrated among a small number of large owners, including the Al Khalifa family. This unequal distribution has had economic and social implications, influencing investment, farmworker availability, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The Bahrain Culture Authority's efforts to safeguard the country's agrarian legacy are essential to strike a balance and sustain Bahrain's agricultural identity.

The impact of changing food consumption habits

Bahrain's agricultural lands are primarily located in the northern and western coastal regions of the country, with the date palm being the most common crop. However, the country has seen a shift in food consumption habits over the years, moving away from traditional foods like fish and dates towards processed foods, fat, and sugar has contributed to a rise in diet-related diseases such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and hypertension. Additionally, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, such as anemia and vitamin D deficiency, remains a concern. These health issues have placed a burden on the country's healthcare system, requiring interventions and programs to promote healthy eating and lifestyles.

Economic Impact

The shift in food consumption habits has also had economic implications. The cultivation of date palms, once a dominant sector of the economy, has declined due to changing preferences and increasing soil salinity. This has led to a reduction in cultivated land and a diversification of agricultural activities, including vegetable gardens, nurseries, poultry production, and dairy farms. However, the small plot sizes and maldistribution of land ownership have discouraged private investment in agriculture. Despite government efforts to boost domestic production, Bahrain still relies heavily on agricultural imports to meet its food demands.

Environmental Impact

The environmental consequences of changing food consumption habits are significant. Bahrain's northern and western coastal agricultural regions, known for their fertile soil, are facing threats due to urbanization and depopulation of rural communities. The rapid urbanization in the northern part of the main island has led to a sharp decline in the area of date palm farms, which are considered a diverse terrestrial habitat supporting various plant and animal species. Additionally, the disappearance of freshwater springs has further impacted the irrigation of palm groves, leading to their desiccation in water-scarce areas.

In conclusion, the changing food consumption habits in Bahrain have had far-reaching impacts on the country's health, economy, and environment. Addressing these impacts requires a holistic approach that promotes sustainable dietary habits and preserves the country's agricultural heritage.

The role of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development

The National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) was launched in March 2010 by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, Wife of the King of Bahrain, to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in the country, such as water scarcity, land scarcity, and the reliance on traditional farming methods.

NIAD aims to restore the prosperity of Bahrain's agricultural sector and develop plans to achieve this strategic goal. It does this by uniting the efforts of the concerned authorities and using modern technologies in agriculture, while also providing the necessary funding, training, and qualifications for local farmers.

One of the key roles of NIAD is to support agricultural workers and increase green spaces. This includes projects such as the establishment of agricultural greenhouses with the latest technologies, in cooperation with government institutions, civil society organizations, and educational institutions. They also support the cultivation of mangroves in Tubli Bay, which is the most suitable site for the growth of Avicennia trees in the country.

NIAD also works to stimulate and support agricultural manufacturing industries, and increase expertise in agriculture through education and training. They organize the King Hamad Prize for Agricultural Development every two years to create a positive competitive environment among agricultural entrepreneurs, farmers, and researchers. Additionally, they support the Farmers Market initiative, providing a platform for local farmers to promote and sell their products, as well as the establishment of a permanent market for farmers in Hoorat A’ali.

Furthermore, NIAD plays a crucial role in promoting agricultural awareness and education. They organize continuous training programs, workshops, and specialized agricultural courses for the public, presented by local and international experts. NIAD has also launched an agricultural diploma in collaboration with the Bahrain Training Institute to ensure a qualified workforce for the future development and implementation of agricultural strategies.

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