ABSTRACT
In the light of the research problem, the main objective of this research is to determine the extent to which the agricultural sector is able to fulfil its role in the development of the Egyptian economy and to assess its performance in the light of contemporary local and regional changes during the first and second decades of the twenty-first century by examining a set of sub-objectives. The research has produced a series of findings, the most important of which are: The agricultural sector has contributed to reducing the economic burden on the Egyptian economy during the second decade of the present century in terms of its contribution to foreign trade It was also found that the exchange rate increased in favour of exports and imports, as well as that the agricultural sector declined in its role in the national economy in terms of its contribution to GDP, suffered from periods of contraction in the size of its economic activity affected by some economic decisions made in the Egyptian economy, as well as some political changes that were not matched by economic changes. The research also found that the rate of utilization of the agricultural area unit in Egypt declined during the two study periods. The research also showed that the political events of the second decade of the present century and the subsequent economic and social changes were never in favour of agricultural employment. It has also been shown that the agricultural sector has become a volatile employment sector and that its aim in absorbing more employment must go hand in hand with the implementation of comprehensive development programmes that balance the use of technology and labour, and that the continued omission of this social aspect will lead to a decline in the ability of the agricultural sector to absorb more labour in the coming years, which will have a negative impact on the national level. An assessment of the performance of the agricultural sector between reality and target shows that about 66.7% of the targeted increase in the value of Egyptian agricultural exports over the period was achieved. (2017-2020) A gap of $ 2.83 billion in this value is expected by the year 2030, as shown by the achievement of the target for the contribution of the agricultural sector to GDP, as well as a significant gap between the reality and the planned increase in the agricultural area by rehabilitation where about 56 have been achieved,8% of the target increase up to 2020, as shown by the difficulty of achieving the agricultural sector's employment absorption targets.1% dropped to about 21.7% in 2018 and then decreased to about 20.0%.6% in 2019, and with the spread of Covid virus in 2019, this proportion is expected to fall short. On the basis of the findings, the research recommended a review of the set of actions and policies that would restructure agricultural activity, which would increase the contribution of the agricultural sector to GDP, especially in view of the many challenges that might hamper agricultural activity, and a study of the possibilities for horizontal agricultural expansion in the light of the anticipated crisis in Egypt's share of the Nile waters after the next phase to fill the Zabia renaissance dam. The research also recommends that operational programmes should be reviewed to promote economic development in the agricultural sector, with comprehensive development programmes that balance the use of technology and labour so as to stabilize the situation of agricultural labour, especially skilled labour, and to impede the inhibitors to achieve the objectives of the agricultural sector.