Egyptian agricultural sector facing the climate change challenge

Humour n° -
Published : Monday 05 September 2016 - Alfi Malek, Vice-président AEMDDE, Président de Déméter

As regards the consequences of climate change, Egypt is extremely sensitive. This is why a significant effort must be made and why the objective to limit the increase in temperature to 1.5°C by the end of the century, exposed in the opening speech of the COP21 in Paris, is crucial. The consequences of climate change, as described in the official document submitted by the Egyptian authorities to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), are significant for its economy’s main industries and for agriculture in particular.

In the agricultural sector, the Egyptian INDC expects - for wheat and corn, the two main crops - a respective 15% and 19% decrease in productivity by 2050, due to successive heat waves, water deficit, etc. Besides, it explains that between 12 and 15% of the most fertile arable lands in the Nile Delta will be affected by rising sea level and salt water intrusion.

What solutions could enable this industry to adapt?

In order to face the growing needs of the Egyptian population, that is +50% by 2050, the Egyptian government set the objective to increase farm lands in the desert, starting with one million and a half feddans (1 feddan = 4,200m²). Mostly irrigated with drill water, these new crops will rely on the energy necessary to the pumping. Except for water sources from canals, underground water often lies deep in the ground and, with 500m3/inhabitant/year, Egypt is already in a water-stress situation. Taking into account the connection between energy, water, food security and environmental protection will be key to the definition, implementation and success of future projects.

Besides, although agriculture takes up less than 4% of the territory, it accounts for 14.5% of the Egyptian GDP, for nearly 30% of employment and for 15% of exportations (excluding petroleum products). Most of the Egyptian population is made up of small-scale farmers who produce food crops. We must take this reality into account in order to offer adapted solutions:

  • favouring energy-efficient and water-saving irrigation methods;
  • developing “permaculture” and short distribution channels;
  • reintroducing and developing local breeds such as local chicken, buffalo, etc. that are threatened with extinction due to the aggressive approach of some monopolies, etc.

In order to adapt, the Egyptian agricultural sector must undergo a food and agricultural paradigm shift.

This observation, in line with the conclusions of the Workshop organised by IPEMED, RESOLIS and the Unesco Chair on World Food Systems / Montpellier SupAgro, calls for an intensive cooperation with other Mediterranean countries.

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