Egypt and IFAD strengthen partnership to reduce rural poverty and promote resilience in desert environments

Agriculture is a vital sector of Egypt’s economy, providing livelihoods for 55 percent of the population and directly employing 29 percent of the labour force. Farming is also a vibrant source of exports and foreign exchange.

IFAD is supporting the Government of Egypt in achieving its national plans, especially in the agriculture sector. IFAD interventions have already covered some 65 percent of reclaimed lands.

“Egypt is the largest recipient of our financial assistance in the Near East and North Africa with US$1.11 billion invested to date. It is also one of the first member countries to receive IFAD financing. Our partnership recorded more than four decades of successful human stories and achievements in rural development”, said Khalida Bouzar, IFAD’s Regional Director for the Near East, North Africa, Central Asia and Europe Division.

IFAD has shown its comparative advantage in targeting vulnerable farmers and promoting resilience in desert environments. Long-term field presence equipped with unique expertise in rural development have improved the sustainability and impact of our projects.

The Promotion of Rural Incomes through Market Enhancement Project covers seven governorates and is benefitting 50,000 rural households by integrating them into agricultural value chains. The On-farm Irrigation Development Project in Oldlands supports efficient use of water resources, which are threatened by climate change, industrialization, increasing pollution and poor water management. Project investments are generating seasonal and part-time work for more than 21,000 poor rural men and women.

IFAD began operations in Egypt in 1977 and so far has implemented 14 projects, investing nearly $520 million and directly benefitting approximately 1.2 million households. Currently, the ongoing portfolio comprises three projects for a total of about $300 million. An agreement for a fourth investment project worth $80 million has been recently signed.

Original source: IFAD
Published on 03 October 2019