Agricultural Technology in the Arab World
The Arab world, also known as the Arab nations, are the sovereigns in the North, East African and West Asian regions who speak Arabic. These countries, which are the heart of historical empires and caliphates, all have similar climates. Agriculture used to thrive in what was known as the first civilization of man. However, atmospheric conditions today have made it impossible for agriculture to grow from what it once was. Scientists and agricultural engineers are working together to encourage food sustainability.
1. Geography and Natural Resources
There are 22 countries under the Arab world, with over 420 million people. This region of the globe has a hot climate with arid deserts, valleys, and mountains. Their freshwater resources are few with only three main rivers, while various saltwater bodies surround it. The land is fertile with petroleum. Crops that grow in this region include wheat, barley, rice, maize, lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, and fruits. Sheep, goats, camels, and cattle are the livestock raised for culling.
2. Agriculture History
Mesopotamia, which in the current day consists most of the Arab world, is among the regions considered to be the cradle of civilization. History shows it is where humans decided to settle and farm together, which is also the birth of agriculture. From the eighth century until the thirteenth century, the Islamic region had an active role in the development of agriculture, which is now called the Arab Agricultural Revolution.
The literature on different techniques on growing crops and vegetables flourished, along with introductions to new vegetation. Medieval Muslims invented windpumps to advance irrigation, which they continuously developed with gravity-fed canals and an enlarged canal network.
They even got animals to power their irrigation wheels. These modifications eventually made their way to Europe and the United States, who respectively described and coined this Agricultural Revolution. Find more details on Arab history with Europe and the United States with Arab America.
Today the agriculture sector has taken a backseat. At least in comparison to the top industries these countries provide, agriculture is less prioritized.
3. Importance of Technology in Agriculture
Technology is one of the main drivers in agricultural production. In the modified Cobb Douglas Production Function for Agricultural Economics, the efficiency parameter is technology. This parameter statistically brings more output with the same given inputs.
Researchers hope for more yield and better grade products in their studies of the outcome. Generally, data says that farmers can produce more with the same resources if they have the technology to help.
4. Agricultural Technology Innovations
Given the scarcity of water and other resources, Arab countries have tried to find innovations to achieve food sustainability they are yearning. The following are ideas or projects they have implemented as solutions.
- Seawater Greenhouses: It is just traditional greenhouses with a twist. Saltwater cools the temperature and when condensed becomes freshwater for plants.
- Agricultural Machinery: Good old tractors are ever so reliable. Other machinery includes feeding and orchard equipment. Newer models have integrated the needs of the arid climate.
- Genetic Engineering: Crops and plants are a necessity and the biotechnology of which creates stronger resilience to diseases and pests. They also increase production.
- Hydroponics, Aquaponics: Given the poor soil condition in the Arab world, the use of water with minerals are now used to grow plants. New technology can also be new practices that have been proven to be more efficient, given the resources and the outcome.
These are only a few of the many innovations out there that are shaping agricultural technology today. Since the climate is not so forgiving, they are starting to decline the use of sprinklers and certain types of irrigation to conserve water unless it is a controlled environment. You can find the best sprinkler head here if you happen to try running a farm.
Innovations can make things better, but there can be some disadvantages. Advancements cannot be perfect right away. Some machines might be inaccessible to farmers, or additional production may not be worth the cost of acquiring the technology. There may still be a long way until the dream of food sustainability through technology.
5. Food Security
There has always been a debate between food sustainability and food security on which school of thought to follow. Current conditions dictate that food sustainability is not possible soon. Food security is the assurance that a country meets its demand for food. For now, food security means to import agriculture products to feed the nation. Society emphasizes the role of technology in providing the needs of the Arab world.
6. Agricultural Policy
Unfortunately, governments do not prioritize the agriculture sector because it does not earn as much as others. The misuse of resources, especially water, is apparent. Usually, farmers cannot afford to buy inputs or machines for personal use only. The state should also create and implement laws that subsidize farmers in their access to machinery and other biotechnology available.
Policies should incentivize scientists, researchers, and engineers for innovations that will foster growth within the agricultural technology community. The budget for research and development should increase to promote these incentives. Agricultural technology is on its way to make the world better. It only needs a bit of a push in the right direction.