Ruralization, Agricultural Production Structures and Food Security in Islamic Countries

Document Type : Original Article

Author

• Vahid Riahi

Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22067/jrrp.v14i3.2502-1125

Abstract

Purpose- Islamic countries are generally characterized by rural lifestyles and relatively young populations. Despite the global trends of accelerated urbanization and population aging, the traditional structure of rural settlement in these countries has remained largely unchanged. The present study aims to examine the structural factors influencing food security in Islamic countries by analyzing the extent and distribution of rural populations as the key contributors to food security, as well as the demographic composition and environmental structures that shape agricultural production.
Materials, Methods, and Approach- The development strategies of many countries worldwide are based on the quality, efficiency, and spatial distribution of rural populations. The proportion of the rural population in relation to employment distribution across economic sectors and its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) are of critical importance to policymakers in both developed and developing nations. The research employs a descriptive–analytical method, utilizing reliable international data sources and global organizational statistics. The statistical population includes 51 Islamic countries, and the data are classified according to the characteristics and attributes of the study population within the research topic.
Findings- First, Islamic countries generally possess rural structures and youthful populations. Second, significant disparities exist in settlement and rural habitation patterns across Islamic countries. Approximately 60% of the rural population of Islamic countries reside in just six nations -Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt- whereas in six others- Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Djibouti, the Maldives, and Brunei Darussalam- the total rural population does not exceed one million people. Finally, the capacity for agricultural production and food security across Islamic countries is generally fragile. Twenty-six countries have less than 5% of arable land, and twenty-seven countries exhibit an average agricultural value-added of less than USD 5,000 per farmer, rendering them effectively food-insecure and dependent on imports.

Keywords

• Food security
• Islamic countries
• Rural population
• Agricultural economy
• Rural economy

Main Subjects

• Rural Studies

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