Land Degradation in the Sultanate of Oman: Reasons and Intervention Measures - Combating Desertification in Asia, Africa and the Middle East - page 392

2.2 Socio-Economic Factors

The evaluation of socio-economic factors effecting desertification process in Oman
will be limited and difficult however the following factors contributed to the
desertification process can be summarized as follow:-

(i) The type of farming practiced in the Sultanate, which characterized by small
holdings - operated traditionally becomes profitable only when cultivated to
high water consuming crops i.e. vegetables and forage crops.
(ii) Employment in agriculture represents one of the major constraints for agricul-
tural development. It was felt that young Omanis show unwillingness to work
in agriculture.
(iii) It is known that the type of farming, (Traditional vs Modern) is of crucial
importance to the Sultanate. Reforms leading to the reduction of water use
(sprinkle and drip irrigation) to increase of yields, and hence, leading to in-
creased net profitability of agricultural lands can help to combat desertification
caused by traditional subsistence farming. The improvement will however
need skilled labor, active extension service, financial supporting system and
organized marketing of products.
(iv) The zero value of water has encouraged farmers to the extent of overusing of
this free but scarce resource, and lead to the increase of salinization.

3 Efforts to Combat Land Degradation and Implement

Conservation Measures

The efforts exerted by the Government to combat land degradation can be
summarized in the following way:

1. Preparation of the National Conservation strategy of Oman, which laid the basis
for future environmental policies. The National Conservation strategy (NCS)
pointed out that the sectoral and regional studies by the Ministry of Agriculture
and fisheries resources, Housing, Regional Municipalities and Environment
and the Governorate of Dhofar have drawn attention to growing problem of
desertification. Of 25 projects suggested in the NCS, 11 have more or less strong
connection with Desertification control. This indicates not only the advanced
nature of the growing problem of desertification but also the magnitude of the
problem.
2. Regional studies on soil conservation and land uses.
3. Integrated development of plains adjacent to the Eastern Region and Eastern
fringes of the Wahiba Sands.
4. Integrated development of the Najd area in Dhofar.
5. Efforts in the fields of afforestation and protection of forests.