My contribution takes an over-view that encompasses selected macro-issues for use of natural resources – particularly water - within the prevailing agro-environment (when compared to the more specific focus of agro-ecological processes, for example, that may impact upon agricultural production). Whatever the linguistic semantics of understanding, however, it is people who take control and apply their management skills and understanding to approach; and this comes down to experience of what may best apply within their local agro-production systems.
Just on six years back working from an office in Cairo we put together a report that explored some of the key issues that impacted upon more efficient use of natural resources in support of agro-production and dependent communities/people across the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (i.e. MENA countries). This helped with thinking at the time and, importantly, it helped raise awareness; awareness of some of the fundamental issues that come within the current FSN debate. A summary from the report is attached whereby findings may assist with current HPLE consultations.
The result of our collaboration was the report ‘Middle East & North Africa: Improving Resource Use Efficiency in Primary Production with Emphasis upon Water’. The report makes reference to the dynamics of populations, food production, security and more. Clearly, six years on much has happened in the region and not least the civil wars, social upheaval and turmoil that have been and remain detrimental to many communities in the MENA countries. And not simply the loss/destruction of infrastructure and agricultural productivity, but the loss of skills, experience and knowledge as communities and people have become dispersed and lost to the region.
There is now better understanding of changing environmental parameters and the impact that this is likely to have (notwithstanding current international decision-making that seems to have remained as devisive as ever - what’s wrong with investing in those essential insurance policies now – before we really need them; insurance impacts just about everything else we do in life).
The MENA countries are not unique given their paucity of natural resources for agriculture, but this is not an impoverished part of the world where geography, mineral resources, civil institutions, etc. and the tenacity, experience, capabilities and knowledge of regional people are concerned. It was for reasons such as these that the authors of the report tentatively suggested - in their findings - that more efficient use of resources could be made with an approach that embraced ‘business as usual plus’. Start with small beginnings and build upon achievements made.
Scientists, engineers, planners and other looking in from the outside tend to become lost within the agro-ecological, agro-environmental and agro-production systems that impact local people. And, I say that, at the archetypical and well-meaning technician – the ‘five minutes - back of the envelop’ advisor (as one highly experienced CTA in Niger once addressed me during a technical b/stopping mission – I have never forgotten it – but he had at least said it to my face – a plus; and, by default, challenged the mission to do more).
Ultimately, our earlier exploration and reporting was all about: ‘people and their livelihoods’, and not simply ‘crop production’ or the ‘productivity of water’. This applies to people everywhere – and one reason for sharing the MENA report. The challenge then, and now, becomes one prioritizing the people/communities involved and adapting, following and implementing ideas, investments and more within the socio-economic systems that prevail; carrying the local people with you. Imposition from outside is always a difficult road to follow.
Peter Steele
Agricultural Engineer
Melbourne
23 November 2017
Peter Steele