Irrigation in the Nile Valley

Irrigation in the Nile Valley has been an essential part of life for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians relied on the fertile soil of the Nile to grow food crops, as well as to provide sustenance for their livestock. To ensure sufficient waterflow, much of the land was irrigated in ancient times either by digging canals, or by natural flooding done with dykes. This allowed the Egyptians to regulate the flooding of the Nile, ensuring that the low-lying areas were not overwhelmed with water and that the necessary water was available for crops and livestock. In addition to providing a reliable solution for farmers and livestock owners alike, the keeping and maintaining of irrigation canals is a labor-intensive job and has provided much-needed employment opportunities throughout the centuries, both in Egypt and in other countries that have utilized similar irrigation techniques.