Final answer:
Farming in areas of Egypt away from the Nile River is difficult due to limited water sources, high salinization of the soil, and harsh desert conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geographic features that make it difficult to farm in areas of Egypt away from the Nile River are predominantly due to the arid Sahara desert climate. This rugged, barren desert landscape lacks the essential resources for traditional agriculture. The key factors hindering farming activities include:
- Limited water availability away from the Nile River, as it is the primary source of irrigation in a generally arid country.
- High salinization in the soil due to the absence of the Nile's annual flooding, which formerly washed away accumulated salts, thus reducing agricultural productivity.
- The extremities of desert conditions making the land inhospitable for crop cultivation.
The historical context of farming in Egypt illustrates how ancient Egyptians thrived on the fertile lands along the Nile, named "Kemet", the Black Land, thanks to the rich silt deposited by the river. However, today's agricultural practices are challenged by the increasing salinity in the soil as a consequence of controlled irrigation since the completion of the Aswan High Dam which halted the natural replenishment and filtering effect of the Nile's floods.