Crop yield modelling supporting the Master Plan for Sustainable Agriculture in the Abu Dhabi Emirate

Asgharinia, S.; Devkota, K.; Muli, M.; Ngetich, F.K.; Nejatian, A.; Niane, A.A.; Devkota, M.; Nangia, V.; Kipkorir, E.; Juma, A.; Alqerem, R.; Fischer, G.; Sedrakyan, A.; Latham, J.; Elshawa, L.; Alshehhi, M.; Hamid, F.; Tibbo, M.; Mukhtar, A.; Govind, A.; Kheir, A.; Henry, M.;

Crop yield modelling supporting the Master Plan for Sustainable Agriculture in the Abu Dhabi Emirate

Autores

Asgharinia, S.; Devkota, K.; Muli, M.; Ngetich, F.K.; Nejatian, A.; Niane, A.A.; Devkota, M.; Nangia, V.; Kipkorir, E.; Juma, A.; Alqerem, R.; Fischer, G.; Sedrakyan, A.; Latham, J.; Elshawa, L.; Alshehhi, M.; Hamid, F.; Tibbo, M.; Mukhtar, A.; Govind, A.; Kheir, A.; Henry, M.;

Editor

FAO ; ADAFSA ;

Descripción

The United Arab Emirates faces significant agronomic challenges due to its hyper-arid climate, poor soil fertility and limited water resources, requiring data-driven approaches for sustainable agriculture. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (lIASA), have therefore conducted a comprehensive study under the Master Plan for Sustainable Agriculture in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Using advanced crop-modelling tools, this study integrates crop yield simulations and suitability mapping to optimize resource allocation and land-use planning.Covering 181 sites across the Abu Dhabi Emirate, the study assesses the potential and attainable yields of 51 crops – including annuals, fruit trees, and perennial grasses and shrubs – along with a crop sensitivity analysis of key growth-limiting factors across open field, greenhouse and shade house production systems.The findings have been incorporated into a national crop suitability mapping database, supporting evidence-based decision-making and contributing to the development of a decision support tool to enhance sustainable agricultural practices in the Abu Dhabi Emirate.