Egypt works to cultivate 4 million acres in desert areas – Egypt Today

The Egyptian State’s Efforts in Reclaiming and Cultivating Desert Areas

The Egyptian state is making significant efforts to reclaim and cultivate approximately 4 million acres in desert areas. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations to promote sustainable agriculture and land use.

Exploration and Classification of Desert Lands

The Ministry of Agriculture, represented by its scientific bodies such as the Agricultural Research Center and Desert Research Center, is conducting studies to explore desert lands. These studies involve field and laboratory research to inventory and classify the soil, determining the areas suitable for agriculture. This approach ensures efficient land use and supports the SDGs of responsible consumption and production.

Development of Crop Structures

The ministry is also working on developing appropriate crop structures for each region based on the properties and nature of the soil, climate conditions, and availability of irrigation water sources. This approach aligns with the SDGs of zero hunger and climate action, as it aims to improve agricultural productivity and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Horizontal Expansion and Self-Sufficiency

Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, emphasizes that horizontal expansion plays a crucial role in increasing the agricultural area and crop production. This expansion contributes to improving self-sufficiency rates of strategic crops and creates new job opportunities. It also aligns with the SDGs of decent work and economic growth, as well as sustainable cities and communities.

The state has already achieved an increase in the agricultural area by reclaiming and cultivating over 2 million acres of desert land. These areas are part of national projects for horizontal expansion, including the “New Delta” project with an area of 2.2 million acres, the projects in North and Central Sinai with an area of 456 thousand acres, the Sunbul Sono project in Aswan with an area of 650 thousand acres, the New Egyptian Countryside Development Project with an area of 1.5 million acres, and the Toshka Project with an area of 1.1 million acres. Private sector projects in the New Valley, East Oweinat, and Toshka are also contributing to this expansion.

Sustainable Water Management

Given the shortage of fresh water resources, the Egyptian state has implemented sustainable water management practices. This includes treating and recycling agricultural drainage water for reuse in agriculture, alongside groundwater sources. The government has invested billions of pounds in establishing treatment plants for agricultural drainage water, ensuring a sustainable supply of irrigation water. Modern irrigation systems are also being implemented in all new horizontal expansion projects to optimize water use, supporting the SDGs of clean water and sanitation.

Collaboration and Support

The Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating with the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Agency to support horizontal expansion projects. This collaboration involves establishing research units in new reclamation areas and assigning specialized experts from the ministry’s research centers to work in these units. Additionally, the ministry provides seeds and production requirements for horizontal expansion projects, promoting the SDGs of partnerships for the goals.

Agricultural Development Clusters in Sinai Peninsula

As part of the expansion efforts, 17 new agricultural development clusters have been implemented in the Sinai Peninsula. These clusters, with 7 in South Sinai and 10 in North Sinai, directly benefit approximately 2,122 families from Sinai and other governorates. Each beneficiary and their family receive 5 acres of land and a house, contributing to the SDGs of no poverty and sustainable communities.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDGs addressed in the article are:
– SDG 2: Zero Hunger
– SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
– SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
– SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
– Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
– Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
– Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory and integrated human settlement planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
– Indicator 2.4.2: Proportion of total agricultural population with ownership or secure rights over agricultural land, by sex.
– Indicator 2.4.3: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status.
– Indicator 6.4.1: Change in water-use efficiency over time.
– Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources.
– Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age, and persons with disabilities.
– Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
– Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate.
– Indicator 11.3.2: Proportion of cities with a direct participation structure of civil society in urban planning and management that operate regularly and democratically.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: egypttoday.com