In Moroccan oases, date palm agricultural operations are mainly
manual and seldom implemented, contributing to palm grove
degradation.
The introduction of small mechanization may reduce
drudgery, encourage/attract youths, increase labor
productivity and safety.

This presentation illustrated the data domains of the GeOC tool. This presentation comes under the session 2 “GeOC in details” of the training "Sustainable Land Management Options by Context: Approach and Geospatial tool to support Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality”, held in Zaghouan on 16-17 March 2017.

The local cost-effective, raised-bed machine for small-scale farmers has been developed by ICARDA and its national partners to promote the adoption of raised-bed technology at a larger scale.

Brief on Mechanized Raised Bed Farming System (MRBFS) to Drive a Process for Fertilizer Subsidy Reform in Egypt

This explanatory video illustrates the higher crop yields and increased water efficiency as a result of the raised-bed agriculture component of the project.

In 2004, ICARDA began strategic visioning, driven by the global focus on achieving the Millennium Development Goals and the realignment of the CGIAR System priorities by the Science Council. It involved, among other actions, a consolidation of the 19 research projects into six mega-projects for better integration of the Center’s multidisciplinary teams, and an increased use of new tools of science in addressing the problems of poverty and degradation of natural resources.

The purpose of this document is to review the current land characteristics and use status in Yemen as well as agricultural policies and institutional efforts to combat land degradation in the country.

This issue of Caravan describes the new program, and some of the research innovations it will build on. The issue begins with two ‘opinion pieces’ by scientists from partner organizations in the CRP. They share lessons learnt from past successes (and failures), and ideas that could be applied to dryland

In this issue: ELD CA National teams defined and visited pilot research sites. ELD CA Initiative presented at the International Water Forum of Mountain Countries. ELD CA National teams defined ecosystem services and their valuation methods. ELD CA and UNDP BIOFIN project in Kazakhstan defined the cooperation during the
meeting in Astana. Strengthened the cooperation between ELD CA and partners in the region. Description of research pilot sites in the ELD approach in Central Asian countries.

ICARDA witnessed several important developments in 2006. Of these, the Fifth External Program and Management Review (EPMR) was the most significant, as it provided a comprehensive assessment of the Center's global activities, as well as new insights and dimensions that helped refine ICARDA's new Strategic Plan for 2007- 2016. The EPMR coincided with a transition in the governance and leadership of ICARDA.

It is no doubt that water resource is considered as main determining factor for agriculture and the adoption of modern irrigation technique would preserve this important resource. The shortage of rain in middle and southern Iraq pushes farmers to depend on irrigated agriculture especially from its main resource Euphrates and Tigris and their tributaries.

2016 was the hottest year on record – the third consecutive record-breaking year. It was a sign that we have to act fast to enhance the resilience of dryland farmers, who not only have to contend with more extreme temperatures but also face rapidly depleting water resources and the destructive effects of new pests and disease.