The College of Food and Agriculture Sciences at King Saud University (KSU), located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is a premier academic and research institution dedicated to advancing knowledge in agriculture, food science, and environmental sustainability. As one of the oldest and most influential colleges of its kind in the region, it plays a vital role in shaping the Kingdom’s agricultural policies, food security initiatives, and scientific innovation.
Overview and Historical Background
Established in the early years of King Saud University’s development, the College of Food and Agriculture Sciences (CFAS) has consistently been at the forefront of academic excellence and applied research. The college supports national development goals by preparing a workforce skilled in modern agricultural technologies, sustainable farming practices, and food production science.
Academic and Programmatic Offerings
CFAS provides comprehensive academic programs across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels in multiple specialized departments:
- Department of Plant Production
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society
- Department of Animal Production
- Department of Plant Protection
- Department of Agricultural Engineering
- Department of Soil Sciences
- Department of Agricultural Economics
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition
Programs include:
- B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees
- Multidisciplinary research-focused curriculums
- Internship opportunities with leading agricultural entities and research labs
Research and Innovation
The College leads several high-impact research initiatives aligned with Vision 2030, focusing on:
- Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
- Soil Fertility and Water Resource Management
- Crop Protection and Pest Control
- Animal Nutrition and Production Optimization
- Functional Foods and Nutrition Science
It houses specialized research centers and laboratories that support experimental projects in collaboration with national and international agencies.
Key Research Projects
- Smart Irrigation Systems for arid lands
- Biofertilizer Applications to reduce synthetic chemical use
- Postharvest Loss Minimization Techniques
- Nutraceutical Development in local Saudi crops
Outreach and Community Engagement
As part of its mandate, the college provides extension and outreach services to enhance agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods:
- Farmer Training Programs
- On-site Demonstration Farms
- Public Health Nutrition Education
- Collaborative Projects with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture
Institutional Strengths and Capabilities
- Highly Qualified Faculty: Over 100 academic staff members with PhDs from globally ranked universities
- Research Grants: Secured millions in funding from institutions such as KACST, MOE, and GDRF
- Advanced Infrastructure: Equipped with analytical labs, greenhouses, experimental farms, and food processing units
National and Global Collaborations
- Partner Institutions: Wageningen University (Netherlands), Texas A&M University (USA), and ICARDA
- MOUs: With Saudi governmental and private agribusiness sectors for knowledge transfer and policy development
- Conference Hosting: Regular host of international conferences on agriculture, food technology, and climate resilience
Contribution to Vision 2030
CFAS aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by:
- Enhancing local food production capacity
- Supporting youth education in agriculture
- Developing sustainable environmental practices
- Promoting research-to-market transitions
Recognition and Accolades
- Top-ranked college within King Saud University for scientific output in agriculture
- Published Research: Hundreds of peer-reviewed articles annually in international journals
- Awards: Faculty and students recognized in innovation contests and agricultural science fairs
The College of Food and Agriculture Sciences at King Saud University continues to be a center of excellence, driving innovation in agriculture, food systems, and sustainability to serve the needs of Saudi Arabia and beyond.