The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are embracing regenerative agriculture as a response to worsening soil degradation, water scarcity, and desertification. With more than 80% of the region classified as arid or semi-arid, conventional farming models are becoming unsustainable.
Regenerative agriculture focuses on practices that restore soil health, such as cover cropping, composting, and agroforestry. In Morocco, smallholders are integrating olive trees with grains, creating natural shade and improving soil moisture retention. In the UAE, salt-tolerant crops and water recycling are being trialed as solutions to extreme water stress.
Governments are backing the shift. Egypt has introduced subsidies for organic compost, while Saudi Arabia is funding research into gene-edited wheat that can withstand heat and drought. International donors are also providing training and grants to promote regenerative practices.
Challenges include convincing farmers to move away from chemical-intensive practices and ensuring short-term yields don’t fall during the transition. However, success stories are multiplying, and early adopters are reporting improved soil fertility and long-term resilience.
If scaled widely, regenerative agriculture could help the region secure food supplies, restore ecosystems, and adapt to climate change while preserving traditional farming knowledge.
