A geographical study of the Eastern Jebel Akhdar, Cyreniaca

Abstract

Northern Gyrenaica may be divided into two relief regions, the Jebel and the Sahel. The Jebel Akhdar of which the eastern half is a constituent part, is an elliptical area of high ground about 250 kilometres long from east to west and rising in places to over 800 metres. It is composed exclusively of Tertiary rocks ranging from the Eocene to the Miocene, with a total thickness of about 1,000 metres, and has a Mediterranean plateau climate, with the highest average precipitation in Libya. The soil is of Terra Rossa type and the vegetation is typically Mediterranean. Underground water is at great depth, but the region has a considerable number of springs, especially in the triangular area formed by Derna-Ain Mara-Ras El-Hilal. The Sahel is a discontinuous coastal plain narrowing eastwards to less than one kilometre, too narrow for adequate agricultural extension. The total population of the region is 35,886 (1954). Sedentary life and nomadism are in juxtaposition, nearly one-half of the population lives in Dema, and the remainder are villagers or practise various types of pastoral nomadism, and lead a tribal life. The Italians in their colonisation of Cyrenaica developed the suitable lands of the Jebel, but after their departure there has been no further effort this sphere although the economy of the country is fundamentally agricultural. Pastoralism is still predominant, with emphasis on sheep, goats and cattle, but the Bedouin also cultivate cereals, mainly wheat and barley. Derna gardens are intensively developed where spring water is available for irrigation. The eastern Jebel offers the greatest possibilities for development in Cyrenaica, and the discovery of oil in several localities will help greatly the agricultural schemes.