ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the importance of the agricultural sector in the Arab economies, that is, its position and weakness. It shows that in terms of food security the Arab World is no better off than other Third World countries. When the concept of underdevelopment appeared in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the developed countries were those with a strong industrial sector. Low productivity in the agricultural sector derives from several factors, such as the extent of irrigation, the degree of mechanization, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Population growth is a very controversial issue that goes beyond the agricultural sector. In fact, few Arab countries created development banks specifically for the primary sector. The magnitude of the bill hampers the economic and social development of the countries concerned because the funds that go to consumption cannot go to investment projects. The chapter proposes a corrective strategy based on measures to be taken at local and regional levels.
