WELCOME TO ORGANIC EGYPT NEWSLETTER!
Volume 54
Dear Reader,
This is volume number 54 of the Organic Egypt Foundation newsletter. It reviews our activities in November 2025 and illustrates all interventions conducted with our partners and stakeholders.
Enjoy the read!
NETWORKING ACTIVITIES OF ORGANIC EGYPT FOUNDATION
International Date Palm Festival in Wahat Elbahareya Oasis
The International Date Festival in Wahat Elbahareya Oasis, held from 8 to 10 November, attracted a remarkable turnout of farmers, experts, and stakeholders in agriculture and organic production. The Organic Egypt team participated in the event in collaboration with our partners, the Egyptian Biodynamic Association, with a dedicated booth showcasing the Foundation’s activities and various projects. The festival provided a valuable opportunity to connect with different stakeholders, exchange knowledge and experiences, and explore future collaboration opportunities in sustainable agriculture and organic marketing. During the festival, our team connected with a wide range of stakeholders, including sustainable energy companies, farm owners, and academic sector people interested in organic agriculture. The participation also helped strengthen the Foundation’s local and regional presence and highlighted its role in supporting farmers and promoting organic agriculture.
Attending Scientific Symposium on Water Scarcity
On 23 November 2025, the Organic Egypt Foundation team attended a scientific symposium on water scarcity at Heliopolis University. The event addressed Egypt’s pressing water challenges and the need for sustainable management approaches. The Foundation team participated to stay informed about the latest scientific developments related to water treatment, resource efficiency, and climate-smart agriculture topics. During the symposium, Prof. Dr. Ing. Sven Uwe Giessen Head of Chair at Technische Universität Berlin presented innovative technologies in water treatment and resource recovery, while Prof. Dr. Ing. Khairy, Dean of Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, highlighted Egypt’s strategies for expanding organic and low-emission agriculture. For Organic Egypt, the symposium provided valuable insights that can support future project planning, particularly in areas related to sustainable water use, farmer training, and promoting resilient organic farming systems. The discussions reinforced the importance of integrating treated water, renewable energy, and sustainable agricultural practices knowledge that the team can translate into field activities and capacity-building efforts with partner associations.
Africa’s Pioneering Conference on Organic and Agroecological Farming
On 24th and 25th of November 2025, the Organic Egypt Foundation team participated in the Second African Organic Research Conference (AFROREC), held at Heliopolis University’s green campus. The hybrid event was hosted by Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development and supported by the project “Knowledge Center of Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa” (KCOA) funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ, in collaboration with various partners and stakeholders. TIPI (Technology Innovation Platform) and NORA, representing the African organic research community, also played key roles in organizing the conference. The conference focused on research, policy development, and education of organic and agroecological farming across Africa. Over two days, participants discussed the challenges and opportunities facing African farmers, including climate pressures, soil degradation, market access, and the need for gender- and youth-inclusive policies. Sessions highlighted innovative approaches to sustainable food systems, certification mechanisms, financing models, and evidence-based advocacy to support farmer empowerment and scale up climate-smart agriculture. The “Economy of Love” Standard, that was developed by our Partner EBDA was a key highlight, demonstrating how integrated carbon credits, renewable energy, agroforestry, and compost production can provide smallholder farmers with additional income while improving soil fertility and promoting ecological integrity. The conference also showcased the African Organic and Agroecology Research Agenda (2035) that was developed by the Network of Organic Agriculture Researchers in Africa (NOARA) and represents a continent-wide roadmap aimed at guiding research, informing policy, and supporting investment in scalable, sustainable farming practices. For Organic Egypt Foundation, the event resulted in valuable connections with researchers, NGOs, and policymakers across Africa, opening doors for potential collaborations, knowledge exchange, and partnerships. By participating, the team gained practical insights and inspiration to enhance its initiatives and implement effective strategies for sustainable agriculture in Egypt.
Panel Discussion at the Fayoum International Film Festival for Environmental Films
The Fayoum International Film Festival for Environmental Films is an annual festival dedicated to environmental and climate-themed cinema and community dialogue, it held its second edition in 2025, from November 25 to 30. The festival is organized by Masar Foundation for Culture and Arts under the patronage of Fayoum Governorate and the Ministry of Culture of Egypt. The festival’s 2025 edition, themed “Gender & Climate Justice,” featured more than 70 environmental and climate-focused narrative and documentary films, alongside seminars, panel discussions, and workshops. Organic Egypt Foundation participated by organizing a special panel titled “The Role of Women in Organic Farming in Rural Egypt.” The panel highlighted the essential role of rural women in organic farming and created a platform to discuss their challenges, needs, and achievements. It also aimed to foster collaboration between experts, practitioners, and community leaders to explore practical approaches for economic, health, and legal empowerment. The panel speakers included a distinguished group of female experts and leaders: Rana Hany – Organic Agriculture Specialist, Organic Egypt Foundation, Nana Woo – Director, Rahma Women’s Project, Integrative Health Centre, Heliopolis University, Hend Hany – Senior Administrator, Egyptian Biodynamic Association, Shahinaz Adel – Executive Director, Egyptian Foundation for Environmental Rights, and Sara Ahmed – Community Leader, Rahma Project. The discussion concluded with participants raising focused questions on strategies for improving women’s access to land, healthcare, legal support, and leadership opportunities in rural communities.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Awareness Event on Waste Management for Rural Women and Girls
The project team participated in an awareness event in the 13 villages where we made an introductory session about the project and its range of services, including vocational training opportunities in cooking, sewing, cosmetics, poultry production, and childcare; helping women achieve sustainable economic participation. The event focused on waste management, highlighting the importance of sorting waste at home, understanding the health and environmental impacts of improper disposal, and practical steps to reduce waste through reuse and recycling. Participants engaged in group discussions, exploring ways to adopt daily habits that contribute to cleaner, healthier communities.
Training on Basics Clothing Technology and Fashion Sewing
As part of the Women Empowerment in Rural Egypt project, a five-day technical sewing training titled “Basics of Clothing Technology and Fashion Sewing” was conducted in November 2025. The training aimed to equip women with foundational skills in the sewing profession, enabling them to explore new income-generating opportunities within their communities. Over the week, women were introduced to essential materials, tools, and sewing machines, alongside key safety considerations, and trainers gave the understanding of sewing techniques, including different seam and stitch types. Additionally, they have learned how to read, adjust, and transfer patterns before cutting the fabric pieces needed for their individual projects. Each woman began working on either a skirt or a pillow cover, applying the techniques they had practiced. Overall, the training went successfully, and the women gained practical technical knowledge—ranging from machine operation to pattern handling—and developed confidence in producing complete textile items.
