Skills as a factor in livestock production in Egypt

In the agricultural economy of Egypt the livestock industry has not developed as rapidly as the production of crops. The production of livestock, however, is becoming more important and the Egyptians are rapidly recognizing the value livestock contributes to their livelihood. Its importance is keenly felt when the landlord and peasant experience low prices for their crops, principally cotton, and thus are without an adequate source of income to help offset the instability of their income. Also, the pressing need for organic manures to overcome part of the fertility problem of the land is of great importance to Egyptian agriculture. Soil depletion is of particular significance since crop yields have not improved as they should have in recent years. This has been due partly to the scarcity of available chemical fertilizers during the World War II period when production had to be concentrated on grains to feed the Allied troops, and because the same practices for planting and tilling the soil as were used 5,000 years ago are still predominant.

In order to better understand the role livestock might have in the future development of Egyptian agriculture, it will be helpful if one understands some of the different characteristics and the setting in which the livestock enterprise prevails.