SOCIAL IMPACT OF SALINE AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN NORTH SINAI GOVERNORATE

Abstract

The present study aims to identify the social impact of saline agriculture projects on small farmers in terms of awareness, education, increase job opportunities and higher incomes. It also aims to have specific recommendations for the optimization of saline agriculture project. It aims to be aware of the most important problems facing the expansion of such crops to benefit from them in the future. Thus, the importance of this study lies in its attempt to study the new social effects on farmers who participated in the project, in addition to, the importance of saline agriculture in maintaining the environment and help small farmers in improving their income. The implementation of the project in North Sinai Governorate increases the importance of the study regarding the importance of Sinai for national security. A sample of 225 farmers was selected. They have benefited from the project either directly through the participation in activities, or indirectly by learning from neighbors. Basic information has been collected from the data of the project. The respondents have been interviewed using a questionnaire. The study has a number of results such as; there is a rise in farmers' awareness and knowlge of modern methods of farming. They have understood the modern methods of agriculture and began to practice them especially in saline agriculture methods. There is an improvement in the health of farmers and their families. As well as the development of women's skills in the processing of agricultural products (both feed products and dairy). The research had some recommendations such as establishing an agricultural cooperative association for small farmers, increasing the number of agricultural development projects, particularly saline agriculture, helping farmers in marketing the manufactured products, and the development of irrigation systems.