Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk discussed with AbdulHakim Elwaer, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, ways to strengthen cooperation, with a focus on FAO’s support for the government’s “Productive Village Revival” initiative.
The talks reviewed mechanisms for coordinating with the UN agency to help implement the initiative, which seeks to promote sustainable rural development by transforming Egyptian villages from consumer communities into productive economic hubs. The program also aims to enhance the skills of young people and rural women while creating jobs and increasing household incomes.
Farouk said the initiative includes establishing a unified brand for village products, creating small-scale economic entities at the village level, diversifying rural income sources and improving environmental sustainability through waste recycling and efficient resource use.
He added that the plan also focuses on expanding contract farming and mechanization, supporting livestock development through improved breeds for small-scale farmers, promoting silk and beekeeping industries, and strengthening agricultural cooperatives to boost economic empowerment, particularly for women.
Elwaer praised Egypt’s vision for rural development and affirmed FAO’s readiness to provide technical expertise and support to ensure the initiative’s long-term sustainability and success.
