Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2003

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Geography, Geology, and Anthropology

First Advisor

William A. Dando

Second Advisor

M. Oulol-May

Abstract

Local agricultural practices in Saudi Arabia today are shaped by local land, labor, and technological conditions, by national governmental regulations, subsidies, and price controls, and by the global impacts of foreign competition and goals of international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). Human and natural forces over which local oasis residents have no control exert more influence upon their social and economic life than do daily agricultural tasks. These forces are recognized by Saudi national planners, for agricultural development is very important to the government and to oasis dwellers in Saudi Arabia. Reducing the loss of foreign exchange, lowering the prices of agricultural products to consumers, provisioning of fresh fruits and vegetables, and providing a varied diet to all Saudi citizens are the main declared objectives of the Saudi Arabian government.

Share

COinS