Analysis of the Recent Agricultural Situation of Dakhla Oasis, Egypt, Using Meteorological and Satellite Data

Dakhla Oasis is the most highly populated oasis in Egypt. Although the groundwater resource is very large, there is essentially no rainfall and the aquifer from which the water is drawn is not recharged. Therefore, for the future development and sustainability of Dakhla Oasis, it is important to und...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Reiji Kimura, Erina Iwasaki, Nobuhiro Matsuoka
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-04-01
Series:Remote Sensing
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/12/8/1264
Description
Summary:Dakhla Oasis is the most highly populated oasis in Egypt. Although the groundwater resource is very large, there is essentially no rainfall and the aquifer from which the water is drawn is not recharged. Therefore, for the future development and sustainability of Dakhla Oasis, it is important to understand how land and water are used in the oasis and meteorological conditions there. In this study, meteorological and satellite data were used to examine the recent agricultural situation and water use. The results showed that the meteorological conditions are suitable for plant production, and the maximum vegetation index value was comparable to the Nile delta. The cultivated area increased between 2001 and 2019 by 13.8 km<sup>2</sup> year<sup>−1</sup>, with most of the increase occurring after the 2011 revolution (21.2 km<sup>2</sup> year<sup>−1</sup>). People living in Dakhla Oasis derive their income primarily from agricultural activity, which requires abundant water. Thus, the increasing demand for water is likely to put pressure on the groundwater resource and limit its sustainability.
ISSN:2072-4292