Agricultural Settlement
In recent years, Egypt’s agricultural way of life has undergone
rapid transformation. There are several examples in agricul-
tural settlements that illustrate these changes. For example,
rural houses that were traditionally made of mud brick walls
had open spaces for animals, including water buffaloes and
cows. Adobe brick walls are now being replaced by firebrick
walls that are able to support several floors. The growing popu-
lation has reduced the amount of land available for agriculture,
and firebrick homes have greatly helped farmers. In addition to
this new construction, the recent introduction of mechanized
farm equipment has transformed farmer’s responsibilities. For
example, machines have greatly diversified farming in rural
Egypt and this has enabled farmers to have multiple roles out-
side their primary farming duties. They are now able to hold
other jobs and still farm. Thus, there is a transformation of the
farmer’s role from a basic producer to an agricultural manager
who is able to provide several services. The growth of urban
development has encouraged rural people to seek higher pay-
ing jobs. They have been successful in obtaining jobs in the oil
industry, in such urban areas as Cairo and Alexandria. When
they return to their villages, their homes are remodeled based
on urban designs. Unfortunately, many people see this change
as being a threat to the local folk culture and its traditional
architecture.