UN and Egyptian Government Collaborate on Sustainable Agricultural Investments and Livelihoods Programme

Strategic Insights -

Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, and Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, have visited Minya governorate in Upper Egypt to inspect new schools launched under the Sustainable Agricultural Investments and Livelihoods (SAIL) programme in Aljehad village. The programme, supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Cooperation (IFAD), aims to achieve comprehensive rural development by supporting youth and farmers through agricultural extension services, marketing, and awareness of the importance of early warning, agricultural innovation, and technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SAIL programme is a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and the IFAD, aiming to achieve comprehensive rural development and support 40,000 rural families.
  • The programme provides various sources of income for beneficiaries, including youth and women, and increases productivity and empowers small farmers.
  • Approximately 176 farmer field schools have been implemented, and 240 relevant parties in the governorates will be trained to raise awareness of the needs of smallholder farmers.
  • The project achieves national goals, particularly the SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
  • The project is part of the UN Partnership Development Framework (UNPDF) 2018-2022 and aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030 and Strategy for Sustainable Agricultural Development (SADS-2030).
  • The SAIL programme contributes to empowering farmers, increasing their income, and diversifying their livelihoods, making agriculture more productive and sustainable.

Statistics:

  • 40,000 rural families are expected to benefit from the project.
  • 172 livestock development projects have been implemented, supporting 3,440 beneficiaries, including 2,400 men and 1,040 women.
  • 176 farmer field schools have been implemented.
  • 125 beneficiaries from local communities will be trained on Climate-Smart Agricultural techniques (CSA) and Natural Resource Management (NRM).
  • 66 farmer field schools will be implemented, and 20 senior trainers will be prepared to monitor and supervise farmer field schools.

Sources:

  • "Minister of International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, and UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, Visit Minya Governorate to Inspect Schools Launched under the Sustainable Agricultural Investments and Livelihoods (SAIL) programme."
  • "International Fund for Agricultural Cooperation (IFAD)"
  • "United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)"
  • "Sustainable Agricultural Investments and Livelihoods (SAIL) programme"