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Home , Al Ain, Dalma (island), Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Ghayathi, Ghuwaifat, Liwa Oasis

AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY JOURNAL OF NORTH AMERICA ISSN Print: 2151-7517, ISSN Online: 2151-7525 © 2010, ScienceHuβ, http://www.scihub.org/ABJNA

Agricultural marketing in the western region of , United Arab : attitudes and perceptions Dr. Robert M. Arthur and Dr. Saif Al Qaydi Dept. of Geography, University [email protected] and [email protected] ABSTRACT A questionnaire was administered to farmers of the Western Region of Abu Dhabi to determine farming practices as well as perceptions and attitudes toward expanding their marketing reach into other Gulf Coast Council countries. This region is targeted for expansion by the Abu Dhabi government. As very little research has been performed in this region an overview of the area is presented followed by a discussion of satisficing theory that will be used to interpret the farmer’s responses. The overwhelming majority of farms in the region are part-time or hobby endeavors thus the farmers enjoy many benefits that cannot be measured in monetary terms. Descriptive and quantitative procedures examined attitudes toward expanding marketing strategies. Logistic regression provided several models that revealed farmers preferences. This allowed the researchers to compare attitudes and perceptions to current activity and government policies. Many barriers to full-scale commercial agricultural production exist and were presented. Due to these barriers, the prevailing opinion of farmers in the region, the government programs were considered a success for the most part. Keywords: Satisficing, policy, marketing. INTRODUCTION The results of the questionnaire indicates two types of attitudes to the marketing of farm produce. One A questionnaire administered and analyzed by the type is content with things as they are and appear to authors reveals that the agricultural industry in the fit into the satisficing category while a much smaller Western Region of Abu Dhabi has not progressed to group wishes to enhance their marketing potential. the point where it can boast having large-scale These would fit into the maximizing category even commercial farms. All farms are owned and operated though they still operate their farms as part time as either hobby or part time farms to supply their enterprises. After analyzing the responses to a owners, who are mostly engaged in other full time questionnaire which seeks to understand the occupations, with supplemental income and the perceptions and attitudes of the farming community pleasure of engaging in this rural activity. The size of several concerns were raised as to the future the farms in land area is reflected in the lower development of this industry. Government policy was revenues, even though some have installed reviewed in light of the fact that satisficing is the greenhouses and modern methods to strategy of the majority of the farmers in this region. produce crops that are more valuable. This lower size and revenue makes it difficult to invest the large The Western Region of Abu Dhabi: The Western amount of capital to create large-scale commercial Region of Abu Dhabi is the largest region in farms. The reliance on government subsidies, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The region has technical assistance and marketing appears to result several main and as well as many in a class of farmers more content with satisficing islands in the Arabian Gulf. Most of this region’s behavior rather than profit maximization. This paper towns and villages are located in the area examines the present state of farming in the Western which is known as the Rub Al Khali, or Empty region of Abu Dhabi, its importance to the Quarter. It is the largest expanse of sand desert in government of Abu Dhabi and the role of perceptions the world and has a hostile arid climate. Madinat and attitudes toward marketing of farm products Zayed, Liwa, Baynounah, are located deep grown in this region. Present marketing practices will inside the desert area, while Al Marfa, Al and be examined as will the role of government subsidies Al Sila lay at the water front (Arabian Gulf). , that are used to promote agricultural production and Abul Abyadh and Sir are amongst many of settlement in this, the largest region of Abu Dhabi. the islands located in this region. Some of these

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islands (Dalma) are populated while others, such as in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. This move are used for tourism purposes as the would facilitate the government’s intentions to entire island is a nature reserve with a resort hotel modernize and develop the economic activities. complex. These measures will integrate the Western Region’s economic development into that of the UAE In 1977, the previous ruler of Abu Dhabi issued the economic plans. Also, the Western Region (Liwa) has Emiri Decree No. ( 2 ) to set up the Ruler’s been selected to be Abu Dhabi’s main water storage, Representative Court for the Western Region. The where 7 million gallons of distilled water will be ruler selected to be the headquarters injected into underground storage (Al Khaleej, of the Court as it has a geographical location in the 20/6/2009). This project has potential to be utilized middle of the region as well as it was the highest for farming purposes in the future. populated in the region at that time. According to the decree the Ruler’s Representative in the Western The Western Region is surrounded by Abu Dhabi Region shall look after the agriculture and animal region at the north, the Eastern Region in the East. resources in the region (www.rrcwr.gov.ae). On and surround the Western 14/6/2009, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi appointed Region from the west and from the south where it is Hamdan Bin Zayed to be the Ruler’s representative bordered by the Saudi Arabia territories (Figure 1).

N

Ghantoot Ar a bian Gulf Ajban Abu Dhabi Dalma Nahdha A l - A i n Mafraq Ruwais M irfa Al Khatam S i l a

G h a y a th y M a d inat Zayed

Bid Zahed B a i n o o n a Om a n

Western Region Liwa

Umm Al Zamoul

Sa u d i A r a b i a F o r e s t 0 50 100 KM F a r m s R o a d s ++

Fig 1: The Geographical Location of the Western Region of Abu Dhabi

Farming activities in the UAE: Farming activities are high and economic opportunities are low. one of the oldest economic activities in the UAE Furthermore, being an Islamic nation, the (Henderson, 1990). However, due to the oil wealth immigrants share this important cultural activity many of the prefer to work in some other allowing them to assimilate easier. Coupled with the sectors of the economy. In recent times, the majority large differential in incomes between the two, Emiratis of the farm laborers immigrate from the Indian Sub- can benefit from inexpensive labor whereas the Continent and other Arab countries. Research Bangladesh immigrant benefits from a higher salary indicates most are from Bangladesh where poverty is than possible at home. In the past most of the

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produce was consumed locally and many of the These farms produce more than 2.2 million tons of families were self-sufficient subsistence farmers farm crops worth more than 4 billion Dh or $US 1.09 growing such crops as tomatoes, onions and billion (Table: 2). Although these farms and their eggplants. Presently most of the Abu Dhabi farm produce are from the entire the product is imported from overseas, except for a few majority of these farms and their products come from local crops e.g. dates. In 2007, 62 % of the total UAE the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. farms where located in the Abu Dhabi Farming Region. This reflects the large area occupied by Emirate of Abu Dhabi (Table: 1).

Table 1: Number & Area of Farms in the Whole UAE farming Areas in 2007 Area : Donum (One donum is equal to 1,000 square meters, or .10 hectares, 10 acres.) Region Active Farms Inactive Farms Active Farms No Area No Area No Area Abu Dhabi 21,361 2,081,935 1,837 75,201 23,198 2,157,136 Central 5,537 146,338 1,128 76,989 6,665 223,327 Northern 2,929 93,562 692 14,594 3,621 108,156 Eastern 4,708 70,468 390 4,790 5,098 75,258 Total 34,535 2,392,303 4,047 171,574 38,582 2,563,877 Source: http://uaeagricent.moew.gov.ae/STATISTICS/2007stat.stm

Table 2: Agricultural Area, Quantity & Value in Abu Dhabi Farming Areas in 2007 Area: Donum, Qty.: Tons, Value: 1000 Dh. Region Item Vegetables Fruits Crop & Fodder Total Area 7,221 1,727,233 174,185 1,908,639 Quantity 39,118 597,294 1,577,752 2,214,164 Abu Dhabi Value 60,183 1,431,645 2,560,847 4,052,675 Source: Abu Dhabi Municipality, Agriculture department (Al-Ain, Ministry of Water and Environment. http://uaeagricent.moew.gov.ae/STATISTICS/2007stat.stm

Government Role in Farm Crops Marketing: Land So it can be seen that the government plays a use in the Abu Dhabi Emirate is governed by the Abu prominent role in supporting agricultural activities in Dhabi Municipality which is in charge of the farming Abu Dhabi. Free land is a tremendous advantage that activities in terms of providing land and services. can be supplemented by either purchasing more land Once the farmer receives his plot of land he then or by inheritance. Such involvement indicates the hires adequate labor to begin farming activities. In concern of the government in securing food supplies some circumstances, he could rent it to somebody and increasing the agricultural economy overall, else directly or indirectly. In recent years, the specifically in the Western Region. Having said this, government advises the farmer as to the best and the there are a number of reasons for this generous most valuable farm crops which he could grow on his governmental support. The government of Abu Dhabi farm. The farmer is compelled to follow this advise if would like to populate this large region of its’ territory he wishes to sell his produce to the government and supply its people with an activity that relates marketing agency. The government subsidizes most back to earlier times, reinforcing historical ties and of the farm services e.g. preparing and leveling the cultural values. Farming does provide an increase in soil, preparing a well and providing price supported the economy and it is hoped that many of the farms farming needs e.g. fertilizer and improved crops will become profitable and self-sufficient. The seeds. The government established several crop government could also be trying to establish a large- collection centers to handle and store the product scale commercial agricultural economy but as will be during the harvest seasons. Farm products are discussed later, there are many barriers to this scale transferred to these centers and after the of growth. administrative people weigh them, a receipt is issued to the farmer. Later on the farmers will receive Satisficing Behaviour: The concept of satisficing payment based upon this receipt. behavior as opposed to rational choice theory presents a framework from which farmers’ attitudes can be explained as well as providing insights for

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making policy decisions affecting this group. Rational quite possible that they fall into the satisficer choice theory states that people have complete category, especially in regards to marketing of their information from which to make decisions and that products. More is to be gained from these farms than they have set preferences that guide decision-making just profit making. The importance of maintaining (Schwartz et al, 2002). Classical economic theory cultural and traditional values are of importance to incorporates rational choice theory in its the government, as is the overall happiness and well- assumptions; subsequent research has shown that being of its people. Current policies appear to support perfect knowledge is not plausible and that many and strengthen these goals. Future policies should people do not act in such a way (J. Barron, 2000; continue to hold up these standards, letting them be Kahneman and Tversky, 1984). Rational choice a guiding principle. suggests that the farmers in the WR would have complete knowledge of the GCC markets, which is Analysis: The responses to the questionnaire were clearly not the case. Furthermore, even when made interpreted using statistical software. The data was aware of such markets, many choose not to learn screened and then examined for descriptive analysis. about their workings. After this procedure was completed, several questions where chosen to be dependent variables in Satisficers require only a certain level of satisfaction, a multi-variate modeling procedure known as logistic thus once a choice meets or exceeds this threshold regression. The results of these two endeavors are there is no need to seek more options (Schwartz et as follows. al, 2002). As Schwartz et al summarize “To satisfice is to pursue not the best option, but a good enough Descriptive Analysis: An examination of option” (2002, p.1178). The fact that the farmers in frequencies of responses to the questions reveals the WR are part-time and hobby farmers indicate that some valuable descriptive information. Education their motivations go beyond commercial exploitation. levels are low with 25% being illiterate and another These farms offer the opportunity for their owners 42% having only a secondary education, High School and families to participate in traditional and cultural and University levels are 19% and 12% respectively. activities while also enjoying the peacefulness of This is rapidly changing as age and education level country life. Once the farmer achieves this goal and are inversely related, this is due to the recent is satisfied, there is no need to pursue profit institution of a good universal school system across maximization strategies. the nation which includes free University Education up to a Bachelors degree. The overall majority of Studies have indicated that being presented with farmers consider their farms a part time or hobby many choices is not preferred and that when faced activity, 53% hobby and 30% part time. Most are with such a situation people would rather others for either retired (46%) or working in the Government them (Beattie et al, 1994). For the maximizer, Sector (36%). Still, 83% find the time to manage their increased choice can pose a dilemma that diminishes farms themselves while only 12% hire supervisors the approval of the outcome. The mximizer must and 5% utilize Government people to operate their explore all alternatives in order to decide the ‘best’ farms. The majority of farmers own a single farm with outcome. This is often not possible. As a result, the 19% owning 2 o r3 farms and 4% owning 4 or 5. maximize questions the decision made, wondering if it was in fact, the best one. This second guessing Crops only represent 60% of the farm output with causes maximizers to experience regret over their 40% being crops and animals; sheep, goats and decision and may even lead to depression (Ward et camels. 56% of the crops are grown in open fields al, 2002). Satisficers on the other hand may simply and 40% of the farms have greenhouses as well. ignore added choice. The threshold of satisfaction Only 4% are greenhouse production only. Field crops being achieved requires no further consideration of (fodder, dates, etc.) are grown exclusively on 38% of choices even if such choices may lead to an increase the farms and vegetables only on a further 37%. in satisfaction. Schwartz et al (2002) argue that the Vegetables and fruit or fruit and citrus crops make up satisficer will be happier with the decision made as it 16% and 10% of the total. Irrigation techniques are has achieved or exceeded the threshold of improving as only 13% rely on traditional methods satisfaction, thus meeting the intended goal. (animate power) only and 35% use modern mechanized sprinkler, drip or greenhouse irrigation. Given the apparent attitudes toward farming in the The remaining 49% utilize a combination of both WR as expressed by farmers in the WR, it seems traditional and modern techniques. Table 3 provides

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information on the farm area, number of workers and estimated yearly values. Table 3: Farm Area, Number of Workers and Estimated Annual Income.

Farm Area* No. of Workers Estimated Income** 1 or less 24% 1 to 3 51% Less than 10,000 24% 1 to 4 20% 4 to 6 41% 10,000 to 30,000 20% 5 to 8 12% 7 to 9 5% 31,000 to 50,000 12% 9 to 12 10% 10 to 12 1% 51,000 to 80,000 10% 13-16 21% 12+ 3% 81,000 to 100,000 21% 16+ 12% 100,000+ 12% * Area is measured in Donums. ** Income is measured in UAE Dhirhams.

This table illustrates that for the most part these expected, 64% preferred the UAE, this was followed farms are small in scale and provide supplemental by 16% selecting . At first, this came as a income but not enough to live on. Compared to surprise, when one considers geographic proximity average incomes earned in the sector, these farms as being an important factor for transportation costs would be equivalent to only a couple of month’s and familiarity with markets. Oman is further from the salary. Only 1.7% of this output is currently being Western Region of Abu Dhabi than Saudi Arabia and sold to other GCC markets, the other 98% being sold Qatar. There are two possible explanations for this within the UAE with the government purchasing 76%, partiality, one being the historic links with Oman, as independent traders buying 17% and the remaining prior to independence the UAE was part of the area 8% being sold to local shops. known as Oman and the . As the owners are part time and hobby owners, they may Questions designed to uncover attitudes towards reside elsewhere in Abu Dhabi. An interview with government and private marketing agencies as well workers on a farm in the Liwa revealed that the as expanding marketing into the GCC tend reveal a owner was from , which is located immediately desire to increase marketing potential. Most likely this on the border with Oman. is due to the low satisfaction rate with the current pricing structure, 39% consider the price received to Many farmer’s have claimed that they faced be very low with another 26% stating that the price is obstacles to market their products, 22% replied yes unfair. Only 36% could say the price was fair. When when asked this question and 47.5% stated that they the farmers where asked if they aware of what was faced obstacles at least some of the time. These going on in other GCC markets or if they knew how difficulties arise mostly from two different areas. One agricultural products were being marketed in other problem is that not all have good paved roads to their GCC countries, the response rate was very low, 8% farms. A little over half (52%) have paved roads while and 31% respectively. Nevertheless, when asked if the rest have leveled, unpaved and rocky roads. The they wished to market in GCC countries whether other difficulty is that of water, which would be through government or private agencies with 42% expected in such an arid region. Only 24% were able answering in the affirmative. There still appears to be to state that they had adequate water supplies, a tendency to prefer government agencies over whereas 37% claimed that they had water problems private marketing companies or selling direct. More and a further 40% suffered from a lack of water in than half, 58%, prefer government agencies whereas some seasons. The government has plans to 30% prefer a private agency, and 24% expressed a address this shortage as mentioned earlier. These desire to sell direct. Table 4 contains the data from and other problems present serious barriers to large the responses referring to which GCC countries the scale commercial production, the subject of a respondents would wish to market. As to be following section.

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Table 4: At which GCC markets do you prefer to market your products?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid UAE 75 63.6 67.0 67.0

Oman 18 15.3 16.1 83.0

KSA 10 8.5 8.9 92.0

Qatar 6 5.1 5.4 97.3

Kuwait 2 1.7 1.8 99.1

Bahrain 1 .8 .9 100.0

Total 112 94.9 100.0

Missing System 6 5.1

Total 118 100.0

Multi-Variate Modeling: Logistic regression is the u = A + B1X1 + B2X2 + …… BkXk multivariate technique chosen analyzing the survey This then is used to create the log odds (natural log) data. It is a very robust technique that can exploit all of the probability of being in one category divided by levels of data (Agresti, 1984; Freeman, 1987; the probability of being in the other as seen below: Fienberg, 1987; Lloyd, 1999). Logistic regression has few assumptions and can take advantage of all levels ⎛⎞Yˆ of data, the predictors can be a mix of continuous, ln =+∑A BX ⎜⎟ˆ j ij dichotomous, and discrete variables. Logistic ⎝⎠1 − Y regression does not require the independent variables (IV) to be normally distributed nor do they The goal then is to find the best set of predictors that need to have equal variance within groups. Of most accurately forecast the probability of matching particular advantage is that logistic regression can be the observed outcomes (Lloyd, 1999; Tabachnick used even though some or all of the IVs may not be and Fidell, 2001). linearly associated with the dependent variable (DV) This technique is used to determine if there are any (Tabachnik and Fidell, 2001). Dependent variables relationships between the outcome and the where chosen from question inquiring about attitudes predictors. If one is found, then the researcher will and desires for alternative marketing strategies. They reduce the amount of predictors until the simplest could be used as dichotomous variables, yes or no model is found that still predicts well. The simplest which facilitates ease of interpretation. model is one where the model includes only a constant and none of the independent variables. The When the dependent variable has only two possible most complex model, or saturated model, includes outcomes (binary), logistic regression creates the log the constant and all the independent variables. The of the odds that a case will belong in one or the other researcher attempts to find the model with the response. This log-odds ratio is known as the logit. highest predictability using the least amount of The formula takes on the following form: independent variables (Tabachnik and Fidell, 2001).

eu Five models were chosen and their remaining Yˆ = i 1 = eu independent variables along with their coefficients were examined to determine two different categories where Yˆ is the predicted probability of case i being of farmers, those who had negative opinions to i expanding their marketing and those with positive in one or the other of the binary categories and u attitudes. This information is presented in Table 5 represents the linear equation as follows:

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(positive attitudes) and table 6 and 7, negative odds of the ‘Yes’ answer. Interpreting the positive attitudes. As the dependent variable is dichotomous attitudes is somewhat convoluted as they are similar (yes/no) the coefficients refer to the change of odds to a double negative, meaning that a negative in predicting the one answer, in this case ‘No’ and the coefficient increases the odds of the affirmative reverse could be interpreted as the change in the answer. Table 5: Results of Logistic Regression Models, Independent Variables Indicating a Positive Attitude To Expanding Markets Dependent Variable No. of No. of Face obstacles to Income Farm Farm Farms (1) Farms market product (No) (0 to Area Area (2+) 50,000) (0-8) (9-11) Do you accept a GCC -.426 -2.254 company to market your products If a GCC company exists, -.639 -1.234 -3.107 would you use it Do you desire to sell to other -.657 -1.204 GCC countries Do you desire to sell direct -1.717

The variables that indicate a positive attitude toward and inversely with age, lower education higher age. marketing in other GCC markets show an absence of These farmers express a satisfaction with the price obstacles and also indicate larger scale operations offered by the government and as such seem to have illustrated by such variables as more workers, larger little desire to expand their markets. They have little to areas and multiple ownership. These are, as would be no knowledge of markets outside the UAE. expected, and can be seen as wishing to expand or at Farmers represented by tables 6 and 7 could be seen least increase their profitability. Even though many do as satisficers. They are content with their operations not have knowledge of GCC markets, they express a as they are and do not wish to expand their markets. willingness to learn about and sell to these markets. They have reached that level of satisfaction and have This activity is closer to rational choice theory of profit no desire to approach maximization. If the maximization. Some variables inject an element of government wishes to improve their conditions then ambiguity as they signify smaller scale operations; the problems of water shortage and road conditions single farm ownership, smaller size, and lower income should be addressed. As mentioned earlier, plans brackets. However, smaller size does not necessarily have been formulated to alleviate the water supply imply a lack of desire for profit maximization. Further issue. investigations would be required to understand better the attitudes and desires of these farmers. These attitudes are not surprising as almost all the farmers surveyed are hobby and part time farmers, Table 6 and 7 are easier to interpret as the supplementing their incomes and enjoying the coefficients reflect an increase in the odds of receiving pleasure to be had by growing and nurturing plants a negative answer to the questions used as and animals. This attitude has implications for dependent variables. They indicate smaller scale government involvement and assistance to operations and hardships; not many workers and agricultural activities in the region. The one concern of obstacles to marketing, water and transportation populating the area may not be fulfilled by current problems. The method and type of farm would be less activities. Part-time and hobby farmers would not take profitable as they are open field techniques producing up residence on their farms, especially those engaged field crops. They sell mostly to the government and in gainfull employment as the majority of employment receive government subsidies. Lower levels of is found in the of Abu Dhabi, and to a education are shown, which also correlate strongly lesser extent the of the eastern region such as Al Ain.

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Table 6: Results of Logistic Regression Models, Independent Variables Indicating a Negative Attitude To Expanding Markets Dependent No. of Face Water Road Gov’t No. of Farming Variable Farms (1) Obstacles Problems Condition Subsidies Workers Type (Yes) (yes) (Unpaved) (Yes) (1-3) (Field Crops) Do you prefer a 1.387 1.811 gov’t agency Do you accept 1.598 1.826 1.442 1.253 1.295 a GCC company to market your products If a GCC 2.330 1.334 1.295 company exists, would you use it Do you desire 1.239 to sell to other GCC countries Do you desire 1.635 to sell direct

Table 7: Results of Logistic Regression Models, Independent Variables Indicating a Negative Attitude To Expanding Markets (continued) Dependent Farming Evaluate Who Income Education Education Education Variable Method Price Buys (51,000 to (Illiterate) (Secondary) (High (Field (Fair) Produce 100,000) School) Crops) (Gov’t) Do you prefer a gov’t agency Do you accept a GCC company to market your products If a GCC 1.220 1.397 company exists, would you use it Do you desire 1.239 .832 1.251 .631 2.367 to sell to other GCC countries Do you desire 2’.017 3.214 .810 6.121 2.359 4.182 to sell direct

Providing that the government’s intention is to assist Expansion into full-scale agricultural production its people to engage in agricultural activities, for their would require mechanization, this leads to a benefit and enjoyment and to strengthen cultural and decrease in rural population not an increase. historic values, then its current policy is successful. Commercial farms are becoming increasingly under Furthermore, satisficing theory has shown that the influence of multi-national corporations who wish expanded choice and options have a tendency to to ensure standardization of their products. cause depression and dissatisfaction, certainly not a McDonalds provides a good example as it requires desirable goal. Food production would be seen as a potatoes to have a certain size and starch content beneficial corollary, not the central intention. and contracts with farms to guarantee this standard.

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This type of corporate agriculture would not enhance were exported to Oman through Khatmat Al-Shakla the link with cultural or historic values; they would land gate (figure 2). Most of the WR of Abu Dhabi sever them. Given the many and difficult barriers to lays closer to the KSA borders (Al ) to the expansion into full-scale commercial production, west of Sila on the map than Khatmat Al-Shaklah to government policy as it is remains the wisest course the north of the Al Ain area. Yet the farmers still of action. wished to sell to Oman. The close relationship Barriers to Commercial Scale Production: Several between the WR’ farmers and the Omani’ farmers barriers make commercial production in the UAE (Zahlan, 1978) could be one of the reasons which led extremely difficult and costly. The amount of water to this preference. Also, the number of cars and required would be prohibitive, costly, and trucks passing through the Al Ghuwaifat land gate is unsustainable. The only way such amounts of water greater than Khatmat al Shakla. This situation forces could be obtained would be through the many of the WR farmers to wait a long time to obtain process. This requires large amounts of electricity custom clearance for their farm products, where this and results in a high salt content effluence. The Gulf is not the case at the Khatmat Al-Shakla port of entry. would be damaged by this increase in saline levels. On June 2009 most vehicles had to queue for 37 Km Low labor costs support smaller scale operations and long to pass the UAE-KSA border check point (at Al deflect the need for expensive equipment. Only by Ghuwaifat) (Gulf New, June 12 2009). This might switching to mechanization could the area compete discourage the WR to send their agriculture product effectively in world agricultural markets. Furthermore, to the KSA markets. the farms would need to drastically increase in size to According to the UAE 2007 foreign trade statistic, be able to absorb the cost of mechanization. Poor there was a slight increase in the UAE export of soils would require high fertilizer inputs. These start- Agricultural product to Oman (figure 2). In terms of up and ongoing expenses would be prohibitive at the value of the UAE agricultural product exported to today’s current agricultural prices. One other difficulty Oman the table shows more than 7% of the UAE is the transport of produce to GCC markets. agriculture product pass through the UAE-KSA land gate, while around 4% of the UAE total agriculture Transportation product pass through the Oman-UAE land gates (table:8). The UAE shares direct borders with Oman and Saudi These figures are for the entire UAE land trade with Arabia. Al Ghuwaifat is the main UAE-Saudi Arabia these two counties covering more than the emirate of land gate for agriculture commodities. Most of the Abu Dhabi. The produce would pass through other Western Region’s farm products e.g. dates and ports of entry than the two land gates mentioned in vegetables exported to Saudi Arabia pass through the above paragraph. this gate. Khitmat Al-Shakla is the main gate for the Western Region farm product export to the Omani Those farmers expressing a desire to sell to Oman markets. would incur higher transportation costs and longer When the WR farmers were asked which Gulf delivery times. Almost half of the farmers surveyed Cooperation Council (GCC) market they preferred to already stated they had poor road conditions to market their agriculture product, the Oman market current markets, the only solution would be a large was ranked second after the UAE market with 16%. increase in road development, including the addition Saudi Arabia and Qatar came in the third and fourth of more ports of entry. The cost to overcome all these with a result of 8.5% and 5%. Therefore, most obstacles and move into large-scale agricultural farmers prefer to send their agriculture product more production is currently prohibitive and would run than 350 Km to markets in Oman rather than counter to the desires of the farmers and would transport 100 Km to the Saudi Arabia Markets. In contradict existing government policy. 2007 more than 30 million kg of agriculture product were exported to KSA through the al Ghuwaifat land gate, while only 3.7 million kg of agriculture product

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Table: 8 Agricultural Product Export to Saudi Arabia and Oman. 2007

Country Value/Dh. % Qty. /kg. %

SAUDI ARABIA 337,653,182 7.47% 67,362,456 3.14%

OMAN 178,865,114 3.96% 77,585,457 3.61%

TOTAL 4,517,424,409 100% 2,148,660,997 100% Source:http://194.170.30.254/uaeagricent/STATISTICS/trade2007_tabs/countriesExp07.htm

CONCLUSION this region and this method supports the part-time and hobby activities of these farmers. Farms, while This paper summarized and analyzed responses to a producing surplus for commercial sale, also provide survey document in order to understand the methods cultural benefits to the farmers and their families. To and attitudes of farmers in the WR of Abu Dhabi. The meet these aims, the current provision of government region and its farming practices were provided as services appears to support the desires of these background information as this region has not been farmers well as well as serving the nation through studied in depth previously (Al Qaydi and Arthur, preservation and continuation of cultural and 2008). The government plays a significant role in traditional ties. assisting farmers in this region. Agricultural production in this area is small in scale and appears REFERENCES to remain so for a number of reasons. Understanding Agresti, Alan (1984) Analysis of Ordinal Categorical Data. these factors is important for framing government John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York, New York policy towards assisting farmers in the Western region. A number of possible strategies are possible Al Khaleej News paper. 20/6/2009 p. 1 for the government of which the support of smaller Al Qaydi, Saif and Arthur, Robert M. (2008) " Evaluating the scale production is the direction the government has Farming Activities in the Western Region of the United taken. Farmers were questioned about their Arab Emirates” and Pacific Studies (v5) 73-88 knowledge and attitudes to expanding their marketing Baron, J. (2000). Thinking and deciding (3rd ed.). New into other GCC countries of which many were not York: Cambridge interested nor had knowledge of how to do so. Many barriers to increasing the scale of agricultural University Press. production exist that must be taken into account Beattie, J., Baron, J., Hershey, J. C., & Spranca, M. D. when framing policy. Satisficing behavior is (1994). Psychological presented as the methodology of many farmers in

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