ZAWYA: Study highlights role of technology in boosting Oman’s food supply chain

A new research project led by Dr Reason Masengu at Middle East College has mapped how food safety risks affect Oman’s food supply-chain performance and proposed a technology-led framework to strengthen safety, resilience and sustainability. The project, titled “The Framework to Address the Impact of Food Safety Risks (FSR) on the Performance of Supply Chains,” was funded by the Strategic Research Programme of the Research and Innovation Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.

"We need stronger regulatory compliance, auditing and enforcement, while aligning food safety practices with international standards and requirements in Oman," Dr Masengu said, urging coordinated action across the sector.

Study scope and methodology

The study examined multiple factors that influence food supply-chain performance in Oman, including food traceability, information technology, regulatory compliance, food safety requirements, risk management, data accuracy, supply-chain collaboration and predictive analytics. Researchers combined statistical analysis with literature reviews and conceptual research to develop an integrated, technology-enabled approach to managing risks across the entire supply chain.

Among the specific technological tools assessed were traceability systems backed by the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and connected digital record systems. The project also produced a predictive analytics framework designed to use operational data to anticipate hazards before they materialise.

Key findings

• Information technology emerged as a crucial enabler of better supply-chain performance and more effective food-safety risk management.
• Technology-based traceability systems were found to improve food safety performance and to strengthen collaboration among supply-chain partners, but traceability on its own did not guarantee improved overall performance.
• Collaboration showed a strong direct effect on food safety performance, amplifying the benefits of traceability and IT systems.
• Regulatory compliance contributes to improved food safety and more sustainable practices, particularly when it produces accurate and timely data for decision-making.
• Predictive analytics and greater supply-chain transparency support earlier identification and management of food-safety risks, reducing the likelihood of recalls, supply disruptions or public-health incidents.

Dr Masengu concluded that the value of traceability is unlocked when it is integrated with information technology, improved visibility, stronger collaboration and robust risk-management capabilities. He specifically recommended accelerating the adoption of IoT, blockchain, AI and analytics-driven digital record systems across producers, importers, logistics providers, regulators and retailers.

Recommendations and outlook

The research team — which included Dr Charles Tsikada, Ms Jouhara Sultan Al Habsi, Dr Chenjerai Muchenje, Mr Benson Ruzive and Mr Mohamed Salah El Din — urged governments and industry stakeholders to invest in staff training, enhance auditing and enforcement, and adopt performance measures that evaluate food safety alongside resilience, sustainability and efficiency. The project has also generated several peer-reviewed publications addressing food traceability, food quality and safety management systems, predictive analytics and supply-chain performance.

With its combined focus on regulation, collaboration and digital tools, the framework aims to guide Oman’s food sector toward earlier risk detection and more resilient supply chains — a priority that officials and industry participants may now be better equipped to pursue in partnership with research and innovation authorities.