Morocco's economic growth slows as drought, locusts deplete farmland The North African country is grappling with a sixth year of drought, the longest in Morocco’s modern history. Morocco
Analysis Amid US rift and Saudi rivalry, UAE offers Zelenskyy economic lifeline Gulf countries find themselves in a difficult position as they navigate placating Trump, maintaining good relations with Russia, and engaging with Ukraine while also providing mediation and humanitarian aid. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
How Turkey's egg tax complicates US soaring prices amid bird flu crisis The US Department of Agriculture said Wednesday it will have to import between 70 and 100 million eggs in the next month or two as the outbreak derails the country’s domestic egg production. Turkey
Wildfires in Turkey: 11 dead, 78 injured as heat soars to 50 degrees Celsius Turkey has been grappling with wildfires across the country since last week due to hot temperatures soaring up to 50 C (122 F) above the seasonal average. Turkey
Syrian livestock depleted by war, failing economy Syrian cattle owners and breeders are no longer able to look after their livestock in light of the soaring prices of oil derivatives, fodder and other necessary means for animal husbandry, not to mention the large number of animals that perished in the shelling. Syria
Was UAE behind Israeli decision to allow Palestinian farmers access to Jordan Valley? For the first time in 46 years, Israel allowed Palestinians to enter al-Qa'oun valley in the northern Jordan Valley to cultivate their land. Despite the Palestinian Authority’s statement that this was in implementation of a judicial decision, Al-Monitor received information about Emirati-Israeli understandings that led to this action. United Arab Emirates
Despite complaints, PA determined to ban bird imports amid bird flu outbreak in Israel The Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture has adopted strict measures to prevent bird flu from reaching its farms from Israel, which has inflicted heavy financial losses on farmers. Originals
In Jordan, female engineers lead way in sustainable agriculture A Norwegian NGO has launched a joint training program to train female engineering graduates in the field of sustainable agriculture, with the aim of both encouraging Jordanian women to join the workforce and fight desertification. Jordan
Egypt acts to rescue its farmland from urban sprawl The government is confronting the loss of farmland by demolishing homes and buildings constructed without permits. Egypt
Israelis campaign against army building roads in nature reserves Israelis living in the north of Israel are currently campaigning against the Israel Defense Forces’ intention to pave roads near the border fence that will pass through nature reserves. Israel
Iranian supermarket opens in Venezuelan capital Iran and Venezuela maintain strong economic ties despite US sanctions on both countries. United States
Nile dispute no closer to being resolved, despite African Union mediation Agreement between Ethiopia, Egypt offers prospect of more talks but no clear pathway to resolution. Egypt
Mosul sowing seeds post-Islamic State The Mosul local government in cooperation with civil society is undertaking a project to plant a million trees in Mosul. Iraq
Closing borders due to COVID-19 revives Iraqi agriculture Iraq's agriculture sector has been revived in the past few months, after the government closed its borders and banned the import of agricultural produce as a preventive measure against the coronavirus outbreak. Iraq
Palestinian woman leads fight against coronavirus, while others fall victim to domestic violence Women are taking the lead in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak in the Palestinian territories, while at the same the virus has brought more violence and suffering to some women. Palestine
Lebanon becomes first Arab country to legalize cannabis farming Despite pushback from Hezbollah, the Lebanese parliament passed legislation Tuesday legalizing cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes. Lebanon
