be’ah and Sohar University conclude research project
Published: 05:05 PM,May 29,2025 | EDITED : 09:05 PM,May 29,2025
be’ah and Sohar University conclude research project
SUHAR: The Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (be’ah) has announced the successful completion of a national joint research project with Sohar University titled “Awareness Study on Food Waste in the Sultanate of Oman.” The initiative aims to enhance public awareness and reduce food waste in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Oman Vision 2040.
Launched in November 2024 under the leadership of Profe Rakesh Belwal from the Faculty of Business at Sohar University, the project focused on developing and implementing a scientifically validated Household Food Waste Awareness (HFWA) scale, based on comprehensive fieldwork conducted across Oman’s governorates.
The research process involved designing and testing awareness scale using advanced analytical tools, in addition to conducting extensive surveys and focus group discussions with citizens, students and employees. The resulting database provides a solid foundation for future environmental education initiatives and policy recommendations.
The project was formally concluded with a closing ceremony held at be’ah’s headquarters in Muscat, where key findings were presented and the research team was honoured.
Prof Belwal emphasised the project’s dual contribution to knowledge production and the training of national talent, highlighting the involvement of 20 student research assistants from Sohar University who gained valuable field and analytical experience. Dr Hamdan al Fazari, Vice-Chancellor of Sohar University, praised the team’s efforts and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to impactful, application-driven research that serves national priorities.
Dr Farah al Barwani, Senior Manager of Research and Development at be’ah, described the project as a powerful example of the company’s strategic commitment to waste reduction.
Launched in November 2024 under the leadership of Profe Rakesh Belwal from the Faculty of Business at Sohar University, the project focused on developing and implementing a scientifically validated Household Food Waste Awareness (HFWA) scale, based on comprehensive fieldwork conducted across Oman’s governorates.
The research process involved designing and testing awareness scale using advanced analytical tools, in addition to conducting extensive surveys and focus group discussions with citizens, students and employees. The resulting database provides a solid foundation for future environmental education initiatives and policy recommendations.
The project was formally concluded with a closing ceremony held at be’ah’s headquarters in Muscat, where key findings were presented and the research team was honoured.
Prof Belwal emphasised the project’s dual contribution to knowledge production and the training of national talent, highlighting the involvement of 20 student research assistants from Sohar University who gained valuable field and analytical experience. Dr Hamdan al Fazari, Vice-Chancellor of Sohar University, praised the team’s efforts and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to impactful, application-driven research that serves national priorities.
Dr Farah al Barwani, Senior Manager of Research and Development at be’ah, described the project as a powerful example of the company’s strategic commitment to waste reduction.