9. Cropping Index Under Proposed Cropping Patterns

The objective of this chapter is to compare between the cropping index under the prevailing cropping pattern and the suggested cropping patterns to overcome water scarcity, salinity stress, and climate change stress in the five agro-climatic zones in Egypt. One common measurement used in Egypt to measure how cropping pattern can satisfy the needs of the population for food is cropping index. It is calculated by dividing the cropped area by the actual cultivated area multiply by 100%. The cropped area is calculated by adding the winter cultivated area to the summer cultivated area and any other additional cultivated area either early winter or early summer. Our results showed that the highest cultivated area was found in the second agro-climatic zone and the lowest cultivated area was found in the fifth agro-climatic zone. The highest value of cropping index was found in the second agro-climatic zone under prevailing cropping pattern, under cropping pattern that increases food security, and under cropping pattern that faces water scarcity. Furthermore, in the cropping pattern that faces salinity and cropping pattern that faces climate change, the highest value of cropping index was found in the third agro-climatic zone. The highest percentage of increase in the cropping index value was found in the fourth agro-climatic zone.