Environmental Impacts in Agricultural Communities

The project “Empowering Women in Egypt: Bridging the Gap Between Gender Equality and Environmental Sustainability through Integrated Legal Solutions for Rural Women’s Rights” aims to empower women in rural communities by addressing legal challenges, promoting legal awareness through awareness campaigns, and providing accessible and affordable legal assistance. Additionally, the project seeks to promote sustainable environmental practices, improve health conditions, and reduce pollution.

 

Study Focus

 

The study focused on a comprehensive analysis of the situation, examining Egypt’s legal and environmental frameworks, particularly in the Delta region. The goal was to identify gender gaps and propose solutions to enhance inclusivity. A participatory and evidence-based approach was used, combining extensive desk research, stakeholder consultations, and data analysis to assess key challenges and opportunities. Gender-sensitive practices were incorporated throughout the study to ensure that recommendations were not only evidence-based but also responsive to the diverse needs of rural women and other stakeholders.

 

Background

 

This project aligns with the ongoing Legal Rights Protection Program, implemented by Microjustice in collaboration with Ahmed El-Saeedi Law Firm and the Netherlands Embassy in Cairo. Microjustice, founded in 1996 in the Netherlands, specializes in protecting the legal rights of marginalized individuals and disaster victims. Since October 2022, it has been managing the Legal Rights Protection Program in Egypt, aimed at empowering vulnerable groups, especially women, by improving their access to legal aid and socio-economic opportunities.

 

The research sought to explore the key challenges facing agriculture in the participants’ communities, in addition to assessing their awareness of environmental protection and sustainability methods. The study examined the effects of environmental changes, such as water quality and soil degradation, on local agricultural conditions and how farmers perceive these changes. It also investigated farmers’ understanding of the causes of environmental degradation and pollution in agriculture, as well as their knowledge of sustainable measures that could be taken to counter these effects.

 

Environmental Degradation

 

The study explored current farming practices, such as the use of natural fertilizers and water conservation methods. It highlighted proactive steps being taken as well as the knowledge and resource constraints that hinder the implementation of sustainable approaches. The study also examined the role of environmental laws and regulations, evaluating participants’ knowledge of legal protections for agricultural ecosystems and identifying ways to improve awareness in this area.

 

Environmental Changes and Challenges:

 

• 90% of participants from five governorates reported significant environmental changes, particularly regarding water and soil quality, which directly impacted farming methods.
• In Beheira, around 40% of participants noted significant environmental changes, with water scarcity and pollution being major issues. Farmers faced difficulties cultivating crops during drought seasons, with one farmer reporting insufficient water for irrigation and contamination caused by surrounding industries.
• In Qalyubia, 35% of respondents cited soil dryness and water discoloration as primary concerns. Due to a lack of high-quality irrigation water, farmers resorted to using lower-quality water, leading to soil dryness.
• In Dakahlia, 30% of participants reported soil subsidence and water pollution, leading to unstable farmland. Many participants expressed concern over water pollution, noting that available water was no longer suitable for irrigation.
• In Sharqia, 90% of participants highlighted significant changes in water and soil conditions, especially increased salinity levels. This region faced a more severe environmental crisis, with reports of degraded water quality, sewage water shortages, and a lack of clean drinking water.
• In all five governorates, participants linked environmental degradation to air, water, and soil pollution, with a focus on the effects of burning rice straw and the use of pesticides.

 

Air and Water Pollution:

 

• In Kafr El-Sheikh, many participants reported environmental degradation caused by the burning of rice straw, negatively impacting air quality, water quality, and agricultural productivity.
• In Beheira, pollution in irrigation water was linked to agricultural and animal waste, compounding issues related to water quality and farmland health.

 

The data showed that 88% of respondents perceived a deterioration in the agricultural environment, with 100% of participants in Dakahlia and Kafr El-Sheikh acknowledging worsening conditions. In Sharqia, 85% of participants noted increased environmental degradation, while 80% of participants in Qalyubia shared similar observations. These findings reflect an urgent environmental crisis requiring immediate intervention.

 

Environmental Awareness

 

The study revealed that participants had a relatively high level of awareness regarding the environmental risks affecting their health and that of their families:

 

• 45% of respondents stated they were aware of potential health risks linked to environmental conditions.
• 40% admitted to having no knowledge of such concerns.
• 16% mentioned that they had only heard about such risks.

 

Air Pollution and Health Risks:

• In Kafr El-Sheikh, many participants highlighted the link between rice straw burning and health risks, especially respiratory issues and cancer.
• In Beheira, participants identified multiple environmental risks, including water and air pollution, the impact of agricultural pesticides, and waste management issues. Many noted that rice straw burning negatively affected air quality, respiratory health, and irrigation water quality.
• In Qalyubia, participants voiced concerns about air pollution caused by burning agricultural waste, with special concern for children’s health and respiratory issues.
• In Dakahlia, participants highlighted similar issues, linking air pollution to health problems such as allergies.
• In Sharqia, participants were more aware of the broader environmental crisis, acknowledging that pollutants and agricultural chemicals could pose serious health risks.

 

Water Quality and Agricultural Productivity

 

Water quality varied significantly across the five governorates, affecting agricultural productivity and public health:

 

• In Qalyubia, 65% of respondents rated the water quality as acceptable.
• In Sharqia, only 10% considered the water quality to be satisfactory.
• In Kafr El-Sheikh, 71% of participants rated water quality as poor, linking it to soil salinity and crop failure. Participants explained that salty water caused root rot and crop die-off.
• In Beheira, 40% of respondents described the water quality as poor, which they believed led to reduced soil fertility and higher pest infestations.
• In Qalyubia and Dakahlia, participants raised concerns about soil fertility and the impact of water quality on yields and crop disease.

 

These insights highlight the urgent need for initiatives to improve water quality and reduce environmental threats to agricultural productivity and public health.