Possibility of Applying the Principles of Sustainable Development in The Agricultural Area of Al-Maqzha, Southeast of The City of Benghazi-Libya.

Abstract

The study area is located about 30km. south the city of Benghazi and it is considered among an important agricultural zone. It has a strategic geographical location, being located in middle area between the largest reservoir of water in Libya (Maseklo), of the man-made river. And the wadi El-Qattara dam. Out of 120 farm 12 farms were selected to test the possibility of applying the principle of sustainable development in agriculture. Improving production and protecting the agricultural environment, especially land and water deterioration. The study concluded that the farmers should improve their professional skills, through continuous training in terms of improving the abilities to understand how to manage the agricultural process in a sustainable way. As well as paying attention to the problem of salinity due faulty irrigation, and controlling plowing operations. Cultivation of perennial crops like Olea europaea, and fruit trees and seasonal crops like Triticum sp and Hordeum sp due to their importance to food security, and planting species used as bees pasture in order to increase honey production, and applying modern irrigation systems. Leaving empty spaces between farms in order to preserve natural vegetation and biodiversity.