The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) at Qatar University (QU) organized a research workshop titled “Results of the 2022 Agricultural Census: Towards Achieving Sustainable Food Security.” Prof. Kaltham Al-Ghanim, Director of SESRI, attended the workshop along with several researchers and individuals interested in this field.

The workshop commenced with an illuminating video presentation chronicling Qatar's 2021 Agricultural Census Project, elucidating its phases. Subsequently, experts delved into several presentations, notably encompassing the methodology of the agricultural census and an insightful analysis of costs and productivity. Dr. El-Mogiera El-Awad, Section Head of Field Survey Operations at SESRI, shed light on the census methodology, while Dr. Mohamed Awaad, an economic adviser in agricultural affairs at the Ministry of Municipality, presented key findings regarding costs and productivity in the agricultural sector. Dr. Muzzamil Atta, an expert in animal production research at the Ministry of Environment, provided valuable insights into the animal sector's productivity and census outcomes.

A dynamic discussion ensued with luminaries such as Dr. Youssef Al-Khulaifi, Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality, and Mr. Mohamed Al-Ghaithani, the General Manager of Mahaseel Company. Alongside Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Ziyara, Director of the Animal Resources Department at the Ministry of Municipality, and Mr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Mohannadi, Director of the Statistics Department at the Planning and Statistics Authority. Further enriching the discourse, Dr. Abbas El-Awadi from the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development at Cairo University offered a visual video commentary on the research.

In her inaugural address, Prof. Kaltham Al-Ghanim, Director of SESRI, underscored the workshop's significance, marking the unveiling of the Agricultural Census Project's results. Stating, “The significance of this workshop lies in announcing the results of the Agricultural Census Project, which is considered one of the institute's most important statistical projects conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality. This research project represents the fundamental pillars of the scientific research strategy at QU and falls within the research priorities of the institute. Consequently, we anticipate that this research will have a substantial impact on society by providing the agricultural sector, both plant and animal, with sufficient information to achieve food security in the State of Qatar.”

She also praised the significance of the researchers' role, saying, “Since 2020, researchers have been devoted to developing research tools and methodologies and conducting fieldwork for a comprehensive study of all farms and animal holdings in the State of Qatar, utilizing technological software to enumerate cultivated crops, agricultural lands, and livestock. Data cleansing rules were followed to ensure the production of high-quality information.”

Al-Ghanim added, “Regarding academic efforts and publications, the institute has released four books and executive reports containing detailed census results, in addition to showcasing the researchers' efforts by presenting the results of the agricultural census at various academic events within and outside the university, along with publishing scientific papers.”

She concluded her speech by saying, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this research project, starting with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, the supreme and technical committees, the academic researchers, the field data collectors, and the farm owners and breeders who made this project possible.”