Update, Conclusions, and Recommendations for “Agro-Environmental Sustainability in MENA Regions”

Abstract

The present situation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions is framed by triple environmental sustainability-related challenges. Natural resources are at the heart of sustainable development in MENA regions and are critical to socio-economic growth. This chapter captures the agro-environmental sustainability in MENA Regions (in terms of findings and suggestions) and provides ideas extracted from the volume cases. Besides, some (update) findings from a few recently published research works related to the agro-environmental sustainability covered themes. This chapter provides the present challenges faced by the agro-environmental sustainability in MENA Regions with a set of recommendations to safeguard the resources. Environmental sustainability is concerned with the possibility of protecting and maintaining environmental resources for future generations. Developing countries are looking for growth while developed nations are looking for instruments for post-growth and intellectual development to think about sustainable development (economically effective, socially equitable and environmentally sustainable). For any economy that needs progress and development, growth has always been a significant goal. It is based mainly on the growth of factors of production owing to the enhanced use of available resources. However, the MENA region faces a triple challenge: Emerging climate patterns herald a future where water resources lie below sustainable levels; rapid population growth is threatening to imperil food security; and over-reliance on oil is curtailing governments’ ability to act. Nevertheless, water crisis is more acute than in the MENA region. In addition to food security, water scarcity is the biggest threat to human and environmental security in the region. Droughts, soil salinity and pollution, land subsidence and rural exodus have been triggered by the lack and inefficient use of resources. It has also helped trigger conflicts. Agriculture and food production is a big culprit behind the water shortage in the MENA region. The situation needs new thoughts on sustainability, successful technology deployment and radical agricultural transformation. This book holds much promise and potential for agro-environmental sustainability in MENA Regions. This book addresses the question of how science and technology can be mobilized to make that promise come true.