The semi-arid tropics are hot dry regions found between wet/dry tropical monsoon regions and extremely arid deserts. Rainfall in the semi-arid tropics is low and erratic - perhaps only 10-30 inches per year. This amount is often distributed sporadically during the usual three-month rainy season. Tropical semi-arid regions may be found along the western coast of South America and in portions of many African countries bordering the Sahara and Kalahari deserts.

Semi-arid regions generally are too dry for the growth of corn (maize). Sorghum, a drought tolerant species, is preferred over corn in semi-arid regions. Millet is more suitable than corn or sorghum in regions of severe droughts. Drought resistant melon crops such as pumpkin, egusi, and buffalo gourd (whose deeply penetrating roots can be dried and used as cooking fuel) are possible dryland species. Moringa or legume crops like tepary bean, chickpea, and lablab bean are also useful dryland species.

Dryland farmers employ a variety of techniques to offset drought. A Chapin bucket drip irrigation system is demonstrated here in some of the beds. Many vegetable gardens such as cabbage, onion, tomato and pepper can be produced using this type of irrigation. Other dryland agricultural techniques include the use of sunken beds and thick mulches.