CAIRO: Human resource development in desert societies is a key element in developing and preserving emerging desert settlements in different parts of the country, stressed a desert expert. Dr Zinat El Sherif, head of the Agricultural Studies and Development of Rural Societies Desert Research Center in Cairo, pointed out that when plans to reclaim the desert focused on securing sufficient water supply for agriculture and setting up animal farming. But the essential human element required for developing the resultant wealth does not does not loom large, as demographic policies are more seriously directed at the desert for expansion purposes. "The efforts of our department, which launched later than others in the center, are focused on how to provide the Bedouins and other desert-dwellers with the guidance necessary, not only for creating the wealth but also for consuming and rationing it, explained El Sherif. She added: "If we only tell them how to produce and consume, one day their resources will dry up and they will have to start from scratch. "With the assistance of a team of qualified experts we carry out several strategies aimed at production, preservation, planning and marketing - areas desert-dwellers might not be aware of. For centuries desert-dwellers have lived on the sidelines, leading a nomadic life that was essentially governed by the availability of water. When desert reclamation and resisting desertification began to take priority on the national agenda, the Bedouin, as well as others who moved to the desert, came to the forefront and are now included in the country's new agricultural and expansion strategies. "As soon as we started involving them they began to respond positively, noted El Sherif, pointing out that today the farmers are more aware of national issues. "We have made a point of instilling the principles of management - how to manage a farm, which involves different processes like understanding productivity-boosting techniques; ideals ways for marketing and increasing profit. So their role is no longer restricted to farming. The training of desert farmers is carried out through the Desert Research Center's five major stations that are scattered respectively in Mariut, South Sinai, North Sinai, Central Sinai and Shlateen in the Red Sea. Besides other services provided to small and big investors and to farmers, the stations also serve as information centers for those who need special brochures and research. Explains El Sherif: "The department has taken on the task of planning guidance programs in line with the desert environment, researching and implementing these programs and assessing the change in behavior resulting from such efforts. "Ours channels consist of finding the best ways to reach our goals - be it brochures, field instruction or the search for the fittest team leaders, she added. El Sherif also drew attention to the importance the department of the role of women in desert societies. "The development of women's skills is of utmost important in maintaining wealth in these new settlements. "Apart from being the family caretaker, women there - like elsewhere - look after all home products that are part of any rural society. Training and guidance are no less important here as well. The department has also been considering undertaking research on migration to the desert. El Sherif said: "We are currently studying how to attract part of the population to the desert. Populating the desert is important since the number of original inhabitants can't cope with the size of the emergent settlements. "Our focus on this area has included research on desert migration, demographic studies relating to desert zones and the potential to encourage migration to them.
