Issues and Challenges Faced by Omani Farmers: Evidence from Mahadha Oasis Area

Ferdinand J. Epoc, Mallak Al-Siyabi, Reem Al-Kaabi, Khulood Al-Omairi, Al-Shima Al-Maqbali, Zaynab Al-Rahbi

Vol 24 , Issue 1 , January - June 2023 | Pages: 23-34 | Research Paper

https://doi.org/10.51768/dbr.v24i1.241202303

Published Online: June 03, 2023

Author Details ( * ) denotes Corresponding author

1. * Ferdinand J. Epoc, Assistant Professor, College of Business, University of Buraimi, Oman (fjepoc.doc@gmail.com)

2. Mallak Al-Siyabi, Student, College of Business, University of Buraimi, Oman

3. Reem Al-Kaabi, Student, College of Business, University of Buraimi, Oman

4. Khulood Al-Omairi, Student, College of Business, University of Buraimi, Oman

5. Al-Shima Al-Maqbali, Student, College of Business, University of Buraimi, Oman

6. Zaynab Al-Rahbi, Student, College of Business, University of Buraimi, Oman

Purpose: This study aims to Identify the issue and problems faced by Omani farmers and to Identify the best solutions to fight the issues and challenges, by explaining the importance of the agricultural sector to the Sultanate of Oman, and the interest in developing and producing modern technologies to increase and develop agricultural production. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study is based on primary data collected from the farmers from one of the major Oasis regions of Oman i.e. Mahadha. A Questionnaire in dual language was administered for collecting the data. Findings: The agricultural sector badly needs the support of state institutions to reduce electricity prices, choose the right fertilizers for the soil, provide the necessary irrigation water, expand the lands, introduce modern technologies, expand agricultural greenhouses, and benefit from genetic engineering. The climatic conditions in the Sultanate ensure abundant agricultural production. Research Limitation: The data is collected only from the Mahadha area. However, the researchers relied on the close-ended questionnaire making this study based on quantitative analysis. Also, only descriptive statistics have been used to bring forward the issues and challenges faced by farmers. Managerial Implications: The importance of this study lies in under- standing the most important problems and challenges faced by Omani farms in general, which may constitute an obstacle to them. Understanding these problems and trying to find logical solutions. This study has implications for the Ministry of Agriculture. Originality/Value: This study brings forward the ground issues from the side of the farmers in Oman. To the knowledge of the researchers, this study is the first of its kind to bring such issues to the public.

Keywords

Agriculture Farming, Agripreneurship, Sultanate of Oman, Gulf Cooperation Council.

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