In the lush landscape of Barkat Al Mawz, in the Wilayat of Nizwa, Dr. Omar Al Jabri and his research team from the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences conducted a focused case study among local farmers. The study examined prevailing agricultural practices in the area. Its aim was to assess the level of progress in sustainable agriculture in the Sultanate of Oman. It also sought to present Barkat Al Mawz, with its natural and tourism assets, as a practical model for rural development strategies and for supporting small and medium enterprises.

In the Omani context, agriculture is not limited to sustaining livelihoods – it represents a key pillar of national food security. It also contributes to creating jobs and supporting social well-being in the face of growing environmental and economic challenges. From this perspective, the study explored practical pathways to achieve agricultural sustainability. It focused on strengthening local farming systems, developing agricultural enterprises, and promoting cooperative models as effective tools for development.

The study adopted a qualitative, stakeholder-based approach, which drew on field investigations and critical reviews of relevant national and international literature. It assessed the agricultural sector by analysing the perspectives of key actors, including small-scale farmers and agricultural labourers, in addition to policymakers and specialists in agricultural development.

The findings revealed persistent structural challenges in the agricultural sector. These included inefficient use of resources, an ageing agricultural workforce, limited technical capacity, fragmented markets, and weak institutional support. Together, these challenges have constrained productivity and undermined the sustainability of rural communities. Despite this, the study identified a high level of optimism among stakeholders regarding the transformative potential of agriculture in Oman. Both farmers and institutions viewed collective action through cooperatives, farmers’ associations, and contract farming schemes as a key driver of change. Such models improve market access, encourage innovation, and strengthen shared ownership and responsibility within rural communities.

In the case of Barkat Al Mawz, the study highlights a setting where traditional agricultural practices coexist with emerging opportunities for modernisation. It shows that traditional farming can remain economically viable, particularly when combined with modern irrigation technologies and stronger integration with regional markets. These findings point to wider opportunities for rural transformation that build upon traditional knowledge systems rather than replacing them.

The study concludes by emphasising the central role of government in supporting agricultural transformation. This includes establishing a strong regulatory and institutional framework, investing in physical and digital infrastructure, improving access to finance and training programmes, and strengthening public and private partnerships. These recommendations align with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises economic diversification, social well-being, environmental protection, the green economy, diversified income sources, and the use of local cultural assets to achieve sustainable economic growth.