"The potential of agricultural in Eastern Wadi Araba Basin"

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to show the natural and human potential resources on the eastern Eastern Wadi Araba Basin, and its useful use in agricultural development. The study will evaluate the current agricultural areas, and its distribution, and its effect on the local residents. The study also aims to find out the promising area for agricultural use. Desert conditions prevail in projects contributed to an increase of agricultural areas despite its limitation to (27 km2), and improved the level of production from ( 5- 10 times), which was reflected on the local residents in term of improving the level of education, health, housing, in addition to jobs opportunity. The study showed that soil salinity is not a limiting factor for its safe use, especially that there is sufficient underground water. The spatial GIS analysis of the  potential of soil productivity using soil salinity, soil penetration, slop and soil moisture factors showed that more than ( 285 km2) of the area is very suitable for agricultural use and more than (1300km2) of the area is very highly suitable for agricultural use. Spatial analysis of promising area for agricultural practice using the potential of soil productivity, slop underground water and water salinity factors, showed that more than 1000 km2comes next in its suitability. Finally the area needs more agricultural projects, farmers training, improving water harvesting projects, so that farmers feel the impact of the project's benefits.