*2.1. Description of the Study Area*

This study was conducted in three governorates in the Egyptian Nile Delta, in Sharkia, El-Beheira, and Kafr El-Sheikh governorates, as seen in Figure 1. The three governorates were selected as they are a good representative of the 'old lands' in the Egyptian Delta, where most smallholder farmers are situated. The three governorates also represent the east, west, and middle of the Delta. The study area is representative as many of the strategic crops in Egypt are grown in these governorates.

**Figure 1.** Study area in the Egyptian Nile Delta: Sharkia, El-Beheira, and Kafr El-Sheikh governorates. Source: Google Earth.
