During her visit to Minya Governorate, Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, oversaw the delivery of agricultural mechanization equipment and grants to support rural communities. This event is part of the Sustainable Agricultural Investments and Livelihoods (SAIL) Project, implemented in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Key Equipment and Grants for Agricultural Cooperatives and Rural Women
Dr. Al-Mashat was joined by Dr. Hani Sweilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Major General Emad Kedwani, Governor of Minya, and other senior officials. Together, they delivered essential agricultural machinery, including six combines, three loader excavators, three units for screening medicinal and aromatic plants, three corn dryers, 2,500 plastic trays, and three peeling machines.
Additionally, the Ministers distributed grants to rural women. These grants included 75 female cows, 75 female buffaloes, 150 female sheep, 30 milking machines, 25 rabbit batteries, and four sewing machines. The goal is to support rural women in improving their livelihoods and fostering economic empowerment.
Importance of the SAIL Project
Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that the SAIL Project is a vital initiative for promoting rural and agricultural development. It aligns with the national “Haya Karima” initiative, which seeks to improve the living conditions of rural communities. The project will improve the quality of life, providing educational services, health programs, and access to clean drinking water. Additionally, training and capacity-building programs help enhance income opportunities for rural citizens.
Agricultural and Rural Development
The Minister highlighted that agriculture and rural development remain top priorities within the government’s broader economic strategy. This sector plays a key role in providing employment opportunities and supporting local communities. The Ministry is working to combine local resources and international partnerships to maximize the impact of its development initiatives.
Dr. Al-Mashat also noted that agricultural investments have seen a significant increase, with approximately 179 billion EGP allocated to the agriculture and irrigation sectors in the current fiscal year. This represents an 85% rise from the previous year and reflects Egypt’s commitment to boosting food security and supporting agricultural growth.
Food and Water Security as National Priorities
Food and water security are central to Egypt’s National Water and Food Security Platform (NWFE), a critical initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of small farmers to climate change. The government is working to mobilize necessary resources to ensure sustainable development and improve citizens’ resilience to environmental challenges.
Promoting Education and Long-Term Community Development
Dr. Al-Mashat visited Al-Jihad School for Basic Education, which was established as part of the SAIL Project. Education is one of the core components of the project, with nine new basic and secondary schools opened in the project’s areas of operation. Additionally, 11 daycare centers have been created to support educational access in these regions.
Supporting 40,000 Rural Households with Smart Agricultural Practices
The SAIL Project aims to support 40,000 rural households, benefiting approximately 280,000 individuals. It also provides support for 172 animal husbandry projects, benefiting 3,440 farmers, including 2,400 men and 1,040 women. The project promotes climate-smart agricultural practices and natural resource management, helping farmers improve their productivity while addressing environmental challenges.
This holistic approach underscores Egypt’s commitment to sustainable rural development, improving livelihoods, and enhancing the resilience of its agricultural sector.
