Climate change is striking North Africa more severely than any other region, and in Egypt, the effects are particularly pronounced. Various crops are being impacted, with strawberries among the most sensitive. Mohamed Ali Fahim, advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Agriculture, and Emad Mahdy, CEO of Fayruz Nurseries, evaluate the industry’s challenges and anticipate a tough season ahead.
Fahim, who also chairs the Climate Change Information Center, highlights the issue in Egypt: “We’re increasingly experiencing sudden temperature fluctuations, uneven rainfall, and extreme weather events like heatwaves and cold snaps. These conditions are physically stressing plants and deteriorating soil quality.
Left: Mohamed Ali Fahim; right: Emad Mahdy.
Fahim warns that temperatures in Egypt are expected to keep rising. “The last season (2023-2024) was particularly challenging for strawberry growers, and the upcoming 2024-2025 season looks even tougher. We’re anticipating more heatwaves, sudden temperature shifts, prolonged dry spells, and unexpected rainfalls. Summer will arrive late, bringing hot, dry winds and record-breaking temperatures. We’re also expecting a short but very cold winter with episodes of hail and a rainy autumn.”
On the production side, Mahdy observes the tangible effects on the ground. Reflecting on last season, he noted, “Strawberries were highly sensitive to the weather. The high temperatures caused the fruit to ripen too quickly, leading to smaller sizes and reduced quality. This has affected the supply of exportable strawberries, especially in markets with strict import standards.”
“The last season saw a drop in productivity and a rise in production costs,” Mahdy explains. “Irrigation, nutrition, and pest control had to be intensified, and plant costs rose to 150 USD per thousand. With one hectare requiring 70,000 to 95,000 plants, depending on the variety, the expense is significant. The cost of frozen strawberries jumped to 1,500 – 2,000 USD per tonne, compared to 1,000 USD last season.” Remarkably, frozen strawberries were more expensive than fresh ones for the first time.
Mahdy anticipates another tough season ahead. “Climate change is seriously disrupting Egypt’s strawberry industry. Nurseries are struggling to maintain plants, and costs are rising. This will impact growers, with production costs reaching 28,000 USD per hectare, and drive up selling prices. Fresh strawberries could start at 10 USD per kilo, and frozen strawberries might reach 2,000-2,500 USD per tonne.”
