HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE FOR INVESTMENTS IN AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE IN EGYPT

摘要

During the last 30-40 years, Egypt has implemented one of the largest drainage networks in thernworld, consisting of surface drains, subsurface drains, pump stations and other related works.rnThe target area to be provided with subsurface drainage in Egypt is 6.4 million acres out ofrnwhich about 5.5 million acres is already implemented. Subsurface drainage systems in Egyptrnhave reached the stage that more areas installed have, in theory, passed their economic lifetimernand these areas need rehabilitation.rnThe overall cost of installation of subsurface drainage in Egypt is estimated at EGP 1600 per acrern(year 2007), and about EGP 900 per acre for rehabilitation of old drainage systems.rnMaintenance costs are estimated at EGP 50 per acre per year. The pay back period of drainage isrnnot more than 3-4 years. Incremental benefits of improved drainage on productivity amount tornUS $ 250 – 350, per hectare depending on location and soils.rnRecently, a new role for drainage as a complementary part of the integrated water resourcesrnmanagement has been recognized and the benefits of drainage went beyond reducing soil salinityrnand increasing crop yields. For that reason a new view for the drainage investment is neededrnwhich take into consideration all the benefits and impacts and the expected changes in all levelsrnof planning, implementing, operating, maintaining and managing the new and old drainagernsystems.rnThe objective of this paper is to identify the current and future investments of agriculturerndrainage for a sustainable agricultural production in Egypt. In spite of the great achievementsrnand benefits of drainage in Egypt, there is a huge potential for investments are needed to sustainrnagricultural drainage against the future challenges.