Vegetation Economics Losses due to Agriculture Drought Hazard and Land Degradation in Arab Countries. By: Wadid Erian

ABESTRACT

Land degradation constitutes one of the major problems facing a healthy environment and

sustainable management of natural resources. In Arab countries Land degradation is considered extremely serious problem, as most countries are suffering from desertification in various types

and degrees. It can be noted that many areas were exposed throughout history to the overuse of the natural resources which led to their deterioration and the acceleration of desertification problems in these areas.

The negative impacts of land degradation are both ecological and socio-economic. This impact has already put at risk the livelihoods and economic wellbeing,

As drought becomes and important phenomena since the 70’s of the last century, arose the idea that regions that were undergoing a process of desertification, may have exacerbated or even caused the drought risk or at least enhanced its impact, (Nicholson et al 1998). In fact the

complexity of desertification and its relationship to rainfall variability and drought is underscored by the extensive field work and analysis, Akhtar-Schuster (1995), Graetz (1991),

and others.

In this study, areas in Arab countries that are subject to different high levels of both land degradation (LD) and agricultural drought hazard (ADH) have been characterized as well as their

impacts to land cover. In 22 Arab countries were studied and approximately 7.1% (94.30 million hectares) of their total

area is affected. Out of that percentage 1.7% is affected by severe levels of both LD and ADH, 3.3% is affected by severe LD and moderate ADH, 0.5% is affected by moderate LD and Severe

ADH, and 1.6% is affected by moderate levels of both LD and ADH.

Estimated agriculture (crops and rangelands) drought and Land Degradation t direct vegetation

losses of about US$ 2.2 billion annually during the period from 2000-2010, The social and environmental impacts on rural areas is not estimated.