I have studied the development of agriculture in the Mezzogiorno region of southern Italy.

The Mediterranean climate has had a major limiting effect on agriculture in the region.
Summer drought is very common as temperatures average 26 degrees Celsius and above, while rainfall is very
rare in summer.
In summer, the region is in a high pressure belt, the prevailing winds are the northeasterly trade winds that are
warm and dry as they come over the continental interior.
In the far south and in Sicily, a hot, dry wind from the Sahara, called the Sirocco, dries up crops as it blows over
them.
In winter, the region is in a low pressure belt and winters are mild and moist as the prevailing southwesterlies
bring some warm, moist conditions.
Annual rainfall varies because of latitude and relief, but averages about 700mm per year.
Heavy convectional rain can fall in summer, causing soil erosion and damage to crops.
Winter temperatures rarely fall below 12 degrees Celsius.
Only crops and animals that can cope with the summer drought can be grown and reared in the region.
On south-facing slopes, viticulture is important and Italy has a growing wine industry.
Olives and citrus fruits are also important crops in the region as they both thrive in the climate.
It is difficult to rear cattle in such a warm, dry climate and the main animals reared for their wool and milk are
sheep and goats.
Where irrigation has been introduced, such as in the Metapontino, early salad crops can be cultivated for export
to Italian markets and beyond.
Relief also limits the development of agriculture in the Mezzogiorno.
The region is dominated by the Apennine Mountains and 85 per cent of the land is classified as hill or mountain.
In addition, nearly half the land is very steeply sloping and this makes the use of modern machinery impossible.
Thus farming in the region is very unproductive and extensive.
Soil erosion from heavy rain and mass movement means that the upland soils are thin and infertile.
Deforestation on the slopes has only made soil erosion worse and hindered the development of agriculture in the
region.
Most of the underlying rock is limestone which is permeable and does not retain any of the moisture that crops
would need for growth.
In the low-lying plains, the rapid run-off from winter rains has made the land very swampy and unsuited to
agriculture.
The exception is the Plain of Campania, the low-lying plain around Naples.
Volcanic ash from Vesuvius has, over many eruptions, created a very fertile soil and this area has the best
agriculture in the Mezzogiorno.
The lower slopes can be used to plant vines, olives and citrus fruits.
On the upper slopes, sheep and goats are farmed extensively.
Poor-quality winter wheat may be grown on drained lowland areas