Agriculture
From The Report: Egypt 2022
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While Egypt’s agriculture sector is well established, the country continues to face challenges related to climate change, urbanisation, a rapidly expanding population, and food and water insecurity. For instance, some related industries were notably affected by Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and disruptions to the global supply chain. Egypt was among the most affected by the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as it is the world’s largest wheat importer, with 80% of its wheat originating from Russia and Ukraine. However, the government has introduced reforms aimed at improving irrigation techniques and cultivation efficiency to reduce water and food insecurity. For instance, nearly 60 desalination plants are now in operation processing 440,000 sq metres of water per day, and the country aimed to open 39 additional plants as of mid-2021. Moreover, private investment, mechanisation and digitalisation could modernise methods and inputs.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Fertile lands: New initiatives to increase the availability of arable land, boost crop productivity and ensure water security
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While many countries with desert climates struggle to establish strong agriculture sectors, it is a critical and successful pillar of Egypt’s economy. The fertile Nile Delta is responsible for the country’s rich natural conditions, and enables it to grow a wide variety of crops, including cereals, cotton, sugar, fruits and vegetables. The sector is further supported by a well-developed network of irrigation and drainage systems, and a long history of traditional farming. While Egypt’s agriculture…

Analysis

Tools of the trade: Digitalisation is key to efforts to bolster food and water security
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Many of the government of Egypt’s recent reforms have centred around modernisation and digitalisation across all areas of the economy. Egypt Vision 2030 lays the groundwork for a digital transformation, and the Sustainable Agriculture Development Strategy 2030 focuses this shift on the agriculture sector. With climate change exacerbating water scarcity and food insecurity, it will be important for Egypt’s agriculture sector to respond rapidly to future challenges. It can do so not only by adopting…