Egypt-FAO pact on 4,000 economic empowerment projects
Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) are collaborating on 4,000 agriculture and livestock projects for economic empowerment in Minya, as announced by the Cabinet on Sunday.
Nevin Al Kabbaj, Minister of Social Solidarity, emphasised the government’s focus on developing Upper Egypt, highlighting the project’s potential to improve food and environmental security, and enhance livelihoods in rural areas.
Al Kabbaj highlighted the ministry’s holistic approach to address poverty, including economic empowerment programmes, promoting a work culture, supporting micro-projects, and encouraging environmentally-friendly practices.
The project aims to enhance social and economic conditions by focusing on women, youth, and persons with disabilities from rural areas. At least 75 per cent of beneficiaries will be from these groups.
It plans to create 4,000 job opportunities through full-time and part-time positions. Key focus areas include:
- Utilising sustainable and resilient practices for increased agricultural and livestock production.
- Connecting producers with markets to ensure long-term success.
The project builds on the successful co-operation between the ministry and FAO in Minya on a previous project funded by the Canadian government.
This earlier initiative reached 2,000 rural families and included capacity development for civil society organisations.
The partnership aligns with FAO’s Strategic Framework (2022-2031) and focuses on economic growth, gender equality, and rural women’s empowerment, said AbdulHakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant director-general for Near East and North Africa.
