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Which crops are grown in Sahara Desert oases?

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In the Sahara, sedentary agriculture is confined to oases, where irrigation allows for the cultivation of various crops in small, labor-intensive gardens.12

The date palm is the primary food source in these environments, providing essential shade for other crops. Beneath the canopy of the date palms, farmers grow a variety of produce, including:12

  • Fruits: Citrus fruits, figs, peaches, apricots, and pomegranates.12
  • Cereals: Wheat, barley, and millet.12
  • Other crops: Various vegetables and specialty crops such as henna.2

These agricultural efforts are supported by diverse water sources, including springs, wells, and traditional underground tunnels known as foggaras, though modern motorized pumps have replaced many ancient water-lifting devices in more accessible areas.2