In the upstream basin, the farmers practice farming in dry: arboriculture of olive trees (71% of plantations) and almonds (12%) and cereals dominate this area even though there are also small farms. However, due to the small size of farms - often less than five hectares - and fluctuating climatic conditions, farmers are often forced to seasonal migration to the cities to supplement their incomes. Moreover, apart from in a few municipalities such as El Alâa, Haffouz or Kesra, settlement is scattered, isolated and difficult to access. Crops irrigated are present only on a few places near available water resources because the erosion of soil provides low yields.
