Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Computer and Information - Department of Operation Research and Decision Support

Agriculture has been the main economic activity in Egypt for centuries. Although the involvement of most of the population in agriculture and food production, food insecurity is considered a main problem, it measures the self-sufficiency of individuals in which they are undernourished or acquire food consumption below the minimum requirement. The study aims to achieve an efficient economy capable of sustainable growth, and higher level of food self-sufficiency through the maximum use of the available resources, while maintaining the balance between population needs and resources. This thesis provides an overview of the Egyptian cereals sector specially the wheat, since it has been a central component of the typical diet of the country{u2019}s inhabitants. Per capita consumption of wheat is amongst the highest in the world. Moreover, it is considered the main component for making the baladi bread, which is the single most important food subsidy in Egypt, largely consumed with an annual rate of 180-210 Kg per person [1]. With the growing population, high bread demand and increase of wheat prices globally, the Egyptian government encounters difficulties in purchasing and providing wheat. Which influence the government to look for other alternatives to fulfil the demand of bread, such as introducing corn flour in the milling process. The analysis lays stress on some of the weaknesses of supplying wheat and corn that should be addressed to make it more efficient. In particular, the thesis underlines the importance of their production and supply in assuring the country{u2019}s food security, based on data and economic indicators

Issued also as CD