LEGUMINOSE factsheet: Intercropping in Egypt – challenges and opportunities across the Nile River Valley and the New Valley

This factsheet presents findings from 20 on-farm trials in Egypt’s Nile River Valley and New Valley, evaluating legume-cereal intercropping. Faba beans, beans, and peas were intercropped with wheat and barley under diverse agroecosystems. In the Nile River Valley, strip intercropping boosted total yields by 25% and achieved a land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.2, indicating efficient resource use. In the arid New Valley, alternate row intercropping improved water use efficiency by 20% and reduced soil salinity by 10%. The results confirm intercropping as a viable strategy for enhancing sustainability in Egyptian agriculture, especially when tailored to local conditions. Organic systems further improved soil health and reduced chemical input dependence. Success depends on region-specific crop combinations and management. Ongoing research and farmer training are vital for scaling intercropping to support food security and sustainable farming. Contact: Shamima Irmran Pathan, Giacomo Pietralleria, Ahmed Sharaf, Ahmed H. E. Nasseg. Funded by the European Union and UK Research and Innovation.