Agriculture in Egypt: Heatwaves Toll on Crops

Updated 7/23/2024 8:00:00 AM

Egypt, historically reliant on its fertile Nile Valley, is grappling with a new and formidable adversary: extreme heat. A surge in temperature records and prolonged heat waves are casting a shadow over the country’s agricultural sector, the backbone of its economy and food security.

As temperatures climb, so do the economic costs, reverberating through local markets and beyond. The once-reliable rhythm of agricultural life is disrupted, forcing farmers, policymakers, and the nation to confront the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation.

The Climatic Shift and Its Direct Impact on Agriculture

The agricultural sector is a vital sector for the Egyptian economy. It employed about 18.9% of total employees in 2022 and contributed 11.5% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021/2022, according to the Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC).

In 2023, fresh and processed agricultural exports were valued at about $9 billion, with manufactured agricultural exports amounting to $5.1 billion, the former Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation El-Sayed El-Quseir said in February.

Egypt has experienced a disturbing rise in temperatures in recent years. Extreme heatwaves have become more common, posing a significant challenge to various sectors, including agriculture.

High temperatures hinder the growth of heat-sensitive crops like wheat and fruits. On the other hand, unpredictable rainfall patterns and extended droughts disrupt irrigation, leaving crop yields parched and compromised.

Rising heatwaves and erratic rain create ideal conditions for insects and fungal diseases, leading to increased crop losses.

Farmers are forced to implement additional pest control measures, driving up production costs and squeezing their already strained margins, according to a 2022 article by Tharwat Diab Abd El Maksoud, a PhD researcher at the Faculty of Agriculture in the Arabian Gulf University on The Impact of Climate Change-Related Factors on Food Production in Egypt.

Yahia Mohamed Metwally Khalil, Professor of Agricultural Economics at the National Research Center, tells Arab Finance, “Agricultural yields are usually affected by temperature, as flowers need a certain temperature to produce fruits. If the temperature is higher than usual, it reduces fruit production.”

Moreover, Rabei, a 60-year-old farmer, says, “Extremely high temperatures cause flowers to fall at the beginning of farming, leading to low production and high prices.”

“When temperatures exceed 32°C, both summer and winter crops are affected. High temperatures make crops ripe faster and get overripe, which decreases consumable production and eventually drives prices high,” Rabei adds.

From Farm to Fridge: Heatwaves Threaten Food Security and Consumer Wallets

Soaring temperatures impact not only farming, but also the market and consumers. Khalil explains, “Perishable vegetables and fruits are also impacted by high temperatures in the transportation phase, especially when there are no refrigerated trucks. This definitely affects both wholesale and retail merchants.”

Safaa, a 53-year-old housewife, agrees, telling Arab Finance, “As temperatures rise, vegetables and fruits rot. Sellers blame the hot weather for this. Hence, the quantity of vegetables and fruits decreases, pushing prices up.”

High temperatures further impact household storage. Safaa notes, “Vegetables and fruits dry out and rot quickly in July and August due to the heat, even when stored in refrigerators.”

A Climate-Smart Agriculture Approach in Egypt

As global warming continues, Egypt has to be prepared for heatwaves. According to Khalil, Egypt has the potential to face this and maintain agricultural production by taking the necessary measures.

"Greenhouses can mitigate temperature, and Egypt is currently working on increasing greenhouse cultivation, which is needed for the time being," Khalil points out.

He further explains that greenhouse cultivation not only preserves production but also increases output, producing 10 times more than traditional fields.

Research and development are crucial to facing the impacts of climate change on the agriculture sector. Khalil emphasizes the need to link research with production, highlighting the importance of spreading awareness and preparing agriculture students with both theoretical knowledge and practical field experience.

Egypt's agricultural heartland, cradled by the Nile for millennia, now faces extreme heat, which represents a new and pressing challenge. The consequences are dire, threatening not just food security but also the national economy.

The path forward demands a multi-pronged approach. This necessitates stronger linkages between research institutions and agricultural production, ensuring farmers are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to tackle this new reality.

By Sarah Samir