THE SPATIAL DIMENSION OF FARM CROPS PRODUCTION IN THE ARAB COUNTRIES

Abstract

The economical production of food should be a main goal of Arab countries that has to be approached at a macro level by examining cross-border efficiencies. More efficient tomato, wheat and potato cultivation are vital to fostering self-sufficiency. The purpose of this study is to determine geographical areas within the Arab world that would best serve agricultural needs by providing the setting for the production of specific farm crops. An analysis was conducted of key consumer centers and regions of agricultural production. The available resources in different geographic locales were examined in view of determining the most efficient distribution of agricultural production. It was found that farm crops such as wheat can be produced far more economically in the Nile Valley and the Sham farming regions than in other Arab farming regions. More technological and capital intensive production can be profitably carried out within the GCC countries. The study also discusses the important role of farm technology in improving the production of Arab farms.