Policies That Work for Sustainable Agriculture in Egypt

Sustainable agriculture is economically, environmentally, and technically viable. Sustainable agriculture has different practices than traditional. Policies should be designed and planned to serve the goals of sustainable agriculture. Policies have to consider the local Egyptian environment and properties. There is a need for a framework lead to create a national policy for sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture planning should be in participatory way not in sectorial level. Farmers are essential in planning for sustainability as they are the source of the research and extension needs, and they are mainly concerned by implementing sustainable agriculture practices. Policies will be created depending on three main considerations acting sustainable agriculture elements that need to be integrated: reforming external institutions and professional approach, supporting local groups for community action, and supporting resource-conserving technologies and practices. There is a need for a framework of policies to attract investments to the agricultural sector. Application of these policies requires suitable implementation mechanisms and pack of laws and regulations. Promising impacts are expected to increase production and reach self-sufficiency from applying sustainable agriculture practices and supportive policies.

This chapter suggests 22 policies that are suitable for the Egyptian agricultural sector to support transition to sustainable agriculture and self-reliance. It is recommended to monitor and evaluate the impacts of such policies to clarify the needs of modifications or replanning.