International Journal of Waste Resources

Transforming challenges into opportunities for Qatar's food industry: Self-sufficiency, sustainability, and global food trade diversification

World Congress on Sustainable Waste Management

June 21, 2023 | Webinar

Muhammet Enis Bulak

Uskudar University, Turkey

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Int J Waste Resour

Abstract:

Statement of the problem: Food trade restrictions pose a serious risk for countries that are heavily reliant on food imports, potentially leading to food crises, inequality, and geopolitical conflicts on a global scale. However, such restrictions may also have transformative effects in promoting food supply chain resilience, security, and self-sufficiency. In this study, a novel econometric analysis is presented, utilizing a data-driven analytical model to investigate the impact of a food embargo on the industry, using Qatar as a case study. Methodology & theoretical orientation: A structured and automated food trade database is created using Microsoft Management Server Studio and data visualization software is integrated for automated data discovery. By using a global, trade-based sustainability assessment model, which combines the multi-region input-output (MRIO) analysis with transportation mode-based (sea, road, and air) emissions, the carbon footprint of the dairy food production sector could be estimated. Findings: The study shows that the trade embargo on Qatar’s food industry can lead to significant reductions in the annual import of food products, promoting selfsufficiency, and reducing the net carbon emissions of the dairy food sector by nearly 40%. This reduction is not only achieved through food supply chain changes, such as transportation modes but also by restrictions pushing the country to increase domestic production. Conclusion: Overall, the study demonstrates that a trade embargo, with the support of a well-designed national food security strategy, trade/import diversification, and the use of different modes of transportation for food products, can improve the resilience of global supply chains, self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Biography :

Dr. Muhammet Enis BULAK was born in 1986 in Istanbul. He completed his Ph.D. in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Istanbul University in 2018. He was a visiting professor at Qatar University in 2019. He has published significant papers in distinguished journals, and he is conducting a peer review in Industrial Engineering and Management related journals. His main research interests are given as follows: Green Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Circular Economy, Operations Management, Quality Management, and Innovation. He has worked as a consultant and Project manager for companies from diversified sectors. He is also a Lead Auditor of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System for establishing Quality Systems in manufacturing and service companies. He is currently working as a faculty member in the Industrial Engineering Program and Master of Engineering Management Program at Uskudar University and manager for the Distance Learning Commission.