Geographical Analysis of Rainfed Agriculture in Eastern Wasit Governorate

Rainfed agriculture is one of the basic agricultural activities in the eastern part of Wasit Governorate. It depends directly on the amount of seasonal rainfall and groundwater, represented by well water. This agriculture is concentrated in several administrative units, represented by Badra District, Hissan Sub-district, Zurbatiyah, and limited parts of Sheikh Saad Sub-district, represented by the border strip separating the Iraqi-Iranian border in Al-Shahabi. This study analyzed the reality of rainfed agriculture in the study area by reviewing the natural and human factors affecting it, with a focus on the production of wheat and barley crops during the period (2013-2024). The first chapter of the study relied on studying the geographical characteristics of the region, which were represented by natural factors, as natural factors have an important role on rainfed agriculture. These factors were represented by the geology of the region, including the geological history and stratigraphy of the region, studying the surface characteristics and climatic elements of the region, and the types of soil, in addition to studying natural vegetation and its role in reducing the phenomenon of erosion. In addition to studying surface water resources and focusing on groundwater as a supplementary resource in rainfed agriculture, the second chapter addressed human factors represented by labor, tillage methods, land preparation, fertilization, pesticides, state agricultural policy, transportation, and marketing. The third chapter examined the geographical distribution of rainfed crops, wheat and barley, and the crops' requirements for rainfall, temperature, and light to complete the growth process. It also studied the most important problems facing rainfed agriculture and found appropriate solutions to these problems. The fourth chapter was dedicated to statistical analysis, where Pearson's correlation coefficient and the coefficient of determination (2) were used to measure the strength of the relationship between climatic variables and agricultural production. The results showed a clear correlation confirming the extent to which agricultural production is affected by climate change. The study concludes by clarifying the conclusions, recommendations, and sources used, whether local, Arab, or English, followed by an abstract in English and the full title of the study. The importance of this study lies in the fact that it is not limited to presenting the reality of rainfed agriculture, but also in providing a clear analytical vision of the nature of the challenges it faces, which contributes to supporting the appropriate approach towards adopting methods And more efficient and stable methods that will enhance the development of rainfed agriculture in the future.