ABCDryBasin Project in the Northern Nile Delta Provides Key Recommendations

Egypt is currently experiencing one of the most severe periods of weather instability during the current season. According to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority, these conditions are expected to continue through the end of the week, accompanied by heavy thunderstorms, strong winds, and a noticeable drop in temperatures. This situation places the agricultural sector under a real test of its ability to adapt and minimize potential losses.

Forecasts indicate that the peak of the weather disturbance will occur on Wednesday, with the possibility of flash floods in some areas, particularly in northern Upper Egypt and desert regions. Meanwhile, the Nile Delta, especially the governorates of Gharbia, Beheira, and Kafr El-Sheikh, is expected to experience heavy rainfall that could affect strategic crops.

According to warnings issued by the Climate Change Information Center at the Agricultural Research Center, the Stakeholder Participation to Enhance Drought Resilience through Reinforced Indigenous Knowledge and Smart Tools for Socially-Just Water Management (ABCDryBASIN) project, implemented by the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED), has provided a set of recommendations to help farmers safely manage these weather fluctuations.

Experts emphasize the need for immediate preventive measures, foremost among them the complete suspension of irrigation activities, as soils are already saturated with rainwater, which may lead to root suffocation and rot. Farmers are also advised to halt pesticide and nutrient spraying, as rainfall would wash away these applications, rendering them ineffective.

The recommendations further stress the importance of immediately opening agricultural drainage channels, particularly in wheat, potato, onion, and strawberry fields, to ensure the effective removal of excess water and prevent water accumulation around crops. Farmers are also encouraged to secure greenhouses and plastic tunnels and to support trees to withstand strong winds.

Additional recommendations include postponing all agricultural operations, such as fertilization, harvesting, or field servicing, until weather conditions stabilize. After the unstable weather subsides, farmers are advised to closely monitor potential fungal infections resulting from high humidity and to implement appropriate preventive programs promptly.

The ABCDryBASIN project plays a pivotal role in raising farmers’ awareness of climate adaptation mechanisms, particularly in the governorates of Gharbia, Beheira, and Kafr El-Sheikh. The project works to transfer practical knowledge to farmers and strengthen their capacity to respond to extreme weather events through field training and agricultural extension services.

Furthermore, the project promotes sustainable water and soil management practices, helping reduce the impacts of both droughts and floods, and enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector in the face of accelerating climate variability.