Who Won the U.S. Presidential Debate?

Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, met with the supervisory mission of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to discuss efforts to develop desert environments in the Matrouh governorate. The meeting was chaired by Mohamed Abdelgadir, IFAD’s Country Programme Manager for the Near East, North Africa and Europe.

Farouk emphasised the importance of expanding agricultural development to all parts of Egypt, especially border regions, as part of the government’s “Decent Life” initiative. He said the government was focused on improving the livelihoods of residents in these areas, enhancing their skills and achieving sustainable agricultural development.

He highlighted the need to address the negative impacts of climate change and desertification, focusing on building rainwater harvesting facilities, such as “Nashua” wells and underground tanks, as well as rehabilitating old Roman wells.

“We must focus on developing valley bottoms and utilising floodwater in agriculture through the construction of dams, improving natural pastures and livestock resources, particularly sheep and goats that rely on grazing, as well as developing the skills of women in Sinai and supporting their activities,” he said.

Farouk said the “Promoting Resilience in Arid Environments” (PRIDE) project, which covers rain-fed agricultural areas stretching from west of Dabaa, south of Ras El Hekma, Marsa Matrouh and Al-Najila to Sidi Barrani and Salloum, as well as Siwa and Al-Maghara, was crucial for improving the lives of citizens, enhancing their capabilities, and increasing agricultural productivity through the optimal utilisation of natural resources.

• Read More