The aim of this study is to define the main factors of sustainable agriculture
and forestry in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. The study is based on the review of
existing literature and country level analyses. In the study indicators which can be used
to measure sustainability are defined and examined and data on these is collected. Major
challenges of the sector in the study countries are tentatively examined. According to
the study relatively much data is available, but not enough to guarantee balanced
sustainability assessments. More data is needed especially on resource quality and land
degradation, agricultural productivity and to some extent also on rural poverty. To
biodiversity and cultural values should be given stronger emphasis than is currently
done. For better understanding of the development, data gathering systems in the
countries should be widened so that data is collected periodically and also from the
regions and that in data collecting all aspects of sustainability are taken into account.Peer reviewe