Suitability of Egyptian Deserts for Sustainable Urban Development

Abstract

Egypt has limited cultivable land, its water resources are limited and its population is growing, which in turn is destroying the cultivable land. If these issues are not dealt effectively, Egypt will have a large scale food crisis in its hands. This study aims to identify the resources provided by the uninhabited Egyptian deserts, their potential and how they can be utilized. Most of the research has been undertaken online, including in-depth study of the characteristics of Egyptian soil and how their composition changes over time. The country will require undergoing massive amounts of change, especially when it comes to conserving water, as this will be the main source of development. Underwater aquifers need to be found and dug up, and recycling and modern irrigation techniques will need to be adapted.  A number of developmental projects have been put forward and some were initiated as well, however, due to mismanagement, these projects either failed or were not initiated. The government must learn from its previous mistakes and undertake the development of the Egyptian desert in stages, with proper quality assurance criteria.

Keywords: Urban Development, Egyptian Deserts, Urban Planning, Sustainable Development.