Transformation of agriculture in western Saudi Arabia: problems and prospects

Abstract

This thesis examines the transformation of traditional agriculture in Western Saudi Arabia. Particular emphasis has been placed on illustrating the way in which certain environmental and spatial constraints affect the development of traditional agriculture. National and international issues pertaining to the structural transformation of traditional agriculture have been systematically reviewed. The thesis consists of two parts. Part One considers the transitionary nature of Western Saudi Arabia agriculture in four chapters: some environmental problems and Islamic institutions regarding land, labour constraints and agricultural change, the role of capital in transforming traditional agriculture and Ibn Khaldoun's geographic model and view of traditional co-operation. Part Two examines the process of agricultural transformation in three chapters dealing with three phases of transformation. The hijra as a point of departure: Phase I; the national policy for agricultural transformation Phase II, and International transfer of technology and structural transformation: Phase III. The thesis ends by summing up the general findings of the study and indicates potential areas for possible solutions to development issues.