Abstract

Agricultural waste remains a critical environmental and developmental challenge in Egypt, particularly in the Nile Delta, where intensive farming generates large amounts of crop residues that often lead to air pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Effective management of this waste requires spatially informed approaches that link environmental data with policy decisions.
This study aims to evaluate the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a decision-support tool for managing agricultural waste in Egypt. Specifically, it seeks to answer: How can GIS-based methods improve the identification, collection, and utilization of agricultural residues in the Nile Delta during the period 2015–2024?
A mixed-method approach was adopted, integrating agricultural statistics, satellite imagery, and field survey data. GIS-based spatial and temporal analyses were applied, including hotspot detection, overlay techniques, and scenario modeling. Software tools such as ArcGIS and QGIS were employed to map residue generation, optimize transportation routes, and assess recycling and energy recovery options.
The findings indicate that agricultural waste in the Nile Delta increased by an estimated 18% between 2015 and 2024, with hotspots concentrated in Kafr El-Sheikh, Dakahlia, and Beheira governorates. GIS applications enabled the identification of priority zones for collection, reducing potential transportation costs by up to 25% under optimized routing models. Moreover, scenario analysis showed that integrating recycling and energy recovery facilities in hotspot regions could transform more than 40% of residues into usable resources.
The research concludes that GIS is not merely a mapping tool but a strategic instrument for evidence-based policymaking. Its application enhances transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in agricultural waste management, supporting broader goals of renewable energy generation and climate adaptation strategies in Egypt.