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Dryland farming research in Egypt: Strategies for developing a more sustainable agriculture

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Adel El-Beltagy ,
Youssef Hamdi ,
Mohsen El-Gindy ,
Awad Hussein  and
Ayman Abou-Hadid
Adel El-Beltagy
Affiliation:
Director General, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, PO Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria;
Youssef Hamdi
Affiliation:
Deputy Director, Agricultural Research Center, El Nour St., Dokki, Cairo, Egypt;
Mohsen El-Gindy
Affiliation:
Director, Central Agricultural Pesticides Laboratory, Dokki, Cairo;
Awad Hussein
Affiliation:
Professor, Department of Pomology, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt;
Ayman Abou-Hadid
Affiliation:
Professor, Department of Horticulture, Ain Shams University, PO Box 68, 11241, Cairo.
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Abstract

Developing and implementing water management strategies is imperative for achieving food self reliance in Egypt. Key elements of the strategy for increasing total value added from agriculture must be directed at enhancing efficiency of water use for crop production. This should be complemented by measures to ensure the efficient use and improvement of developed and undeveloped land resources. We examine the need to shift from supply management policies to demand management policies to optimize water use by fanners. Key features for sustainable development of agricultural water management include: greater investment; infusion of modern, appropriate technologies; building an adequate physical and institutional infrastructure; development of human resources and expertise; intensified cooperation and linkages; and technology development. Communities should be involved in reversing the trend from supply-driven to demand-oriented policies. This should be compatible with consideration of social dimensions.

Keywords

irrigationwheatpesticideswater resourcesagricultural research
Type
Selected International Papers from the U.S.-Middle East Conference on Sustainable Dryland Agriculture
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 12 , Issue 3 , September 1997 , pp. 124 - 129
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

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References

1.El-Beltagy, A.S. 1992. Agricultural research institution and the international division of labor: The view from large national agricultural research systems. Proc. International Conference “Challenges and Opportunities for the NARS in year 2000: A policy dialogue,” Berlin 12–18 January, pp. 129–133.Google Scholar