ICARDA and Japan Collaborate to Enhance Food Security Initiatives in Egypt

In a significant move to bolster food security in Egypt, Mr. Aly Abousabaa, the Director General of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), convened with His Excellency Mr. IWAI Fumio, Japan’s Ambassador to Egypt, on January 27, 2025. This meeting, held in Cairo, marked the establishment of a transformative partnership aimed at addressing the pressing issue of diminishing food security across the country. The collaboration is anchored in a transformative project titled Reversing Egypt’s Diminishing Food Security, which draws financial support from a generous grant of $750,000 from the Japanese government.

The project’s primary focus will be on three governorates: Qena, Menya, and Kafr El Sheikh. These areas have been identified as critical zones vulnerable to the challenges posed by climate change and escalating resource scarcity. The project aligns itself with Egypt’s strategic goals of enhancing agricultural resilience and optimizing resource utilization while simultaneously fostering rural livelihoods. The partnership will be conducted in close cooperation with Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, ensuring that local authorities play a pivotal role in the execution and success of the initiative.

As climate change continues to threaten food security and livelihoods, ICARDA seeks to leverage its over 40 years of experience working in dryland regions to empower rural communities in Egypt. This initiative is essential as smallholder farmers, who constitute a significant portion of the agricultural sector, face unprecedented challenges due to fluctuating weather patterns and diminishing natural resources. The project will target these challenges head-on, introducing innovative strategies to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, ultimately promoting economic opportunities for Egypt’s rural population.

Central to the Reversing Egypt’s Diminishing Food Security project are several key interventions designed to restore ecological balance and promote agricultural innovation. Among these innovations are the introduction of green energy-powered irrigation systems that minimize water use while maximizing efficiency. Additionally, restoration initiatives for saline-affected lands will help turn previously unproductive or marginal areas into fertile agricultural zones. Promoting high-quality seeds and modern cultivation techniques for local farmers also forms a crucial component of the initiative, adding layers of efficiency and productivity to existing agricultural practices.

The initiative’s comprehensive approach integrates advanced technologies such as meska-shading solar panels, buried-pipe systems, and cement-lining structures to facilitate more effective water distribution on farms. These technical advancements will be supplemented by creating efficient internal ditch/drain networks intended for leaching, which can transform saline fallow into productive agricultural and aquacultural lands. Furthermore, small-scale solar-powered post-harvest units will be deployed to improve the sustainability of agricultural practices and extend the shelf-life of harvested produce.

A remarkable feature of the project is the utilization of ICARDA’s innovative GeoAgro-Misr digital agricultural advisory smartphone application. This digital tool is designed to assist farmers in using resources more efficiently and adopting sustainable practices effectively. By integrating technology, the project aims to elevate the level of agricultural knowledge among local farmers, ultimately promoting a more resilient agricultural system that can adapt to the drastic changes brought about by climate-related challenges.

In addition to environmental objectives, the project will place a strong emphasis on gender inclusion. It recognizes the vital role of women in farming and rural economies. By empowering women farmers through access to training programs, small-scale food processing units, and increased decision-making opportunities, the initiative aims to make meaningful strides toward gender equality within the agricultural sector. This focus on women’s empowerment not only elevates individual families but also holds the potential to transform entire communities by enhancing economic resilience.

The significance of this partnership extends beyond immediate agricultural productivity; it embodies a broader commitment to global food security and climate resilience. During their encounter, Mr. Abousabaa and Ambassador IWAI engaged in discussions emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in tackling vital issues such as food security amid pressing global challenges. Ambassador IWAI reiterated Japan’s dedication to supporting initiatives that not only enhance food production but also contribute to sustaining peace and stability across the Middle East and Africa. This commitment reflects a growing awareness of how agricultural interventions can serve as foundational pillars for broader socio-economic stability.

Through its efforts, the Reversing Egypt’s Diminishing Food Security project aims to align closely with Egypt’s Agricultural Development Strategy Towards 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It reinforces the commitment to achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through scalable agricultural interventions while also addressing SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. These alignments illustrate a concerted effort to meet national and global objectives, underscoring the project’s multifaceted contributions to sustainable development.

The collaboration between ICARDA and the Government of Japan also highlights the importance of scientific partnerships in advancing agricultural research and innovation. Japan’s long-standing connection with the International Research Centers in CGIAR provides a fruitful backdrop for this initiative. As the project unfolds, the exchange of knowledge and expertise between Japanese scientists and local Egyptian researchers will play a crucial role in adapting scientific advancements to fit the specific needs of Egyptian agriculture.

In conclusion, the Reversing Egypt’s Diminishing Food Security project represents a holistic approach to combating food insecurity in a climate-vulnerable region. By weaving together innovative technologies, community empowerment, and collaboration among national and international partners, this initiative aspires to not only address immediate agricultural challenges but also lay down the groundwork for sustained improvements in food and nutrition security. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, integrated strategies like these will undoubtedly form crucial responses to global issues affecting food systems and rural livelihoods.

Subject of Research: Reversing Egypt’s Diminishing Food Security
Article Title: ICARDA and Japan Unite to Tackle Food Insecurity in Egypt
News Publication Date: January 27, 2025
Web References: ICARDA GeoAgro-Misr
References: Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy Towards 2030, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action)
Image Credits: ICARDA

Keywords: Sustainable agriculture, Food security, Climate resilience, Gender inclusion, Agricultural technology.