7.2 Sahara Desert

The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world! It's nearly the size of the United States and stretches across many countries including Egypt, Algeria, Mali and Tunisia.

The Sahara is crucial for development due to its vast mineral resources, potential for renewable energy, particularly solar power, and opportunities for agricultural expansion with proper irrigation techniques. 

• Mineral Resources: Key exports include Moroccan phosphate, Algerian iron ore, and Nigerien uranium.

• Oil and Gas: Significant income from oil and gas in Algeria, with major fields also in Egypt.

• Solar Energy: Ideal conditions for solar power; Morocco's large-scale solar projects are noteworthy.

• Tourism: Attractions include sand-boarding and cross-desert treks, with specific interest in Star Wars filming locations.

• Farming: Limited commercial farming around areas with irrigation, such as from the Aswan Dam.

• Water Scarcity: Low and unpredictable rainfall, with unsustainable extraction from aquifers.

• Inaccessibility: Vast distances increase transport costs, complicating the delivery of people, materials, and services.

• Temperature Extremes: Daily temperatures often exceed 40°C, posing health risks and limiting tourism to cooler months.

Misconception 1: Deserts like the Sahara are lifeless and developmentally useless.

• Reality: The Sahara offers significant development opportunities from mineral resources to renewable energy.

Misconception 2: The Sahara is barren and sandy.

• Reality: It features diverse landscapes, including mountains, waterways, and oases, supporting life and development.