For nearly five decades, SEKEM has demonstrated that Egypt’s desert can bloom. Its flagship Greening the Desert project in Bahariya Oasis is transforming barren land into fertile farms using biodynamic methods that prioritize water efficiency.

One major challenge in desert farming is irrigation. SEKEM is tackling this with solar-powered pivot irrigation systems, each covering 20 hectares, that use significantly less water and energy compared to traditional flood irrigation methods. The project also utilizes subsurface and nighttime irrigation to minimize evaporation and ensure water reaches plant roots. In its latest phase, SEKEM is piloting a project to incorporate renewable energy storage, aiming for irrigation operations that run on 100% renewable energy, even at night.

Healthy soil is another key component. SEKEM produces thousands of tons of compost, known as “brown gold,” from organic waste and manure, which helps regenerate sandy soils, boost fertility, and improve water retention. Green manure cover crops protect soil during the summer, while drought-resistant plants enhance resilience. The project is also testing basalt-enriched compost, which could accelerate CO2 sequestration, the process of capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere.

So far, the results have been promising, with 725 hectares reclaimed, 11 solar-powered pivots in operation, and more than 600,000 trees planted. The long-term goal is to reclaim 50,000 hectares of desert, establish a carbon-negative farming model, and build a self-sufficient community rooted in regenerative agriculture.

Click here to learn more about how “Greening the Desert” can shape Egypt’s future.

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