FAO.org

Not only is the physical loss of land of major concern, but the loss of soil fertility, deteriorating surface and groundwater quality and loss of biodiversity. Soil salinisation is a real threat to the livelihood of millions of smallholder farmers in the Nile Delta (particularly the old lands of Beheiria and Kafr El Sheikh Governorates) and throughout Egypt.

It has been estimated that between 12 and 15 percent of the Nile Delta’s irrigated land is already suffering from problems of waterlogging, salinisation and sodicity. It is estimated that about 3.8 million tonnes per year of rice straw are disposed by burning directly in the open fields causing environmental problems with air pollution – what is called the “black cloud” in Cairo and other urban centres – and significantly increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Much of this, along with other agricultural waste (e.g. commercially sub-standard dates and date palm leaves), could be processed for compost (to improve soil health), animal feed (to reduce the pressure on the overgrazing of rangelands), green energy sources and other commercially viable products while generating income and creating jobs.

The Project will contribute to the adaptation to climate change of poor and vulnerable rural populations in the old and new lands of Egypt, namely in 36 Hayat Karima villages within Aswan, Beheira and Kafr El-Sheikh. This objective is to be achieved by developing and implementing nature-based and climate-resilient techniques – ensuring that no one relying on agricultural production and agri-food systems for their wellbeing is left behind (including landless, unemployed, underemployed or seasonally employed rural women and youth). The Project will thus reduce food insecurity induced by climate change and will improve livelihoods.