Newsletter Volume 23 –April 2023
Dear Reader,
This is volume number 23 of Organic Egypt project newsletter. It reviews our activities in April 2023 and illustrates all interventions conducted with our partners, the Integral Development Action of Minia (IDAM) and Demeter Egypt (EBDA).
Happy Easter and Eid Mubark! We hope you all had a beautiful and relaxing time
TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS FOR PARTNER ASSOCIATIONS
Training on bio-fertilizers and microbiological assessment
Organic Egypt organized one day training for the extension engineers of the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (Demeter Egypt), the biofertilizer and microbiological assessment training consisted of 2 sessions; the first was about the soil structure, soil microbial complex and how it regulates and influences the soil. The second session was about different organic fertilizers, formulations, and mechanisms of effectiveness.
MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES BETWEEN ASSOCIATIONS
Training on Data Visualisation
A one day practical training on data visualization tools was conducted to 17 of the partner associations staff. Two experts prepared and implemented the training. At first, Dr. Amr Ghanem defined data and its types with an explanation of data processing methods and different ways of displaying it. He explained how this can be applied to google sheets more accurately and to all types of graphs and further, showed how compound graphs can be constructed. In addition he explained how to prepare data for dashboard work, how to prepare dynamic graphs and how to build dynamic dashboards. Then Dr. Abdelrahman Ali introduced and explained the Canva website and its features. He worked with the participants on different and varied designs (pictures, videos, presentations, etc.) and the differences between the free and paid templates. Also editing and modifying pictures, videos, presentations, ppt, infographics, design posters and book covers and personal cards (business cards) have been discussed and applied.
Meeting on the internal processes and activities of Demeter Egypt (EBDA) and IDAM with Ramadan Iftar
Organic Egypt project invested the inspiring vibes of Ramadan to meet with its partner associations Demeter Egypt (EBDA) and the Integral Development Action of Minia, in KMT house to make Ramadan Iftar and discuss the activities and processes that are aiming to enhance the Internal management system. We discussed the training plans for the internal development of both partners as well as improving the efficiency of the workflow.
Also, we spoke about both partners’ strategy on how they intend to contribute to improving the framework conditions of Egyptian organic agriculture through advocacy and campaigning activities. The most important part of the meeting was undoubtedly the team building activities that were designed to bring the EBDA, IDAM and Organic Egypt teams closer together. The last part of the meeting was the Ramadan iftar which was made of organic ingredients provided by the Rdna shop and prepared through the kitchen in KMT house.
NEW INNOVATIVE SERVICES OF OUR PARTNER ASSOCIATIONS
Economy of Love Carbon Credit (EoL CC)
The Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA) in cooperation with the Carbon Footprint Center (CFC), is taking significant steps towards making visible the regenerative agriculture practices on Egyptian farms. The EBDA, the CFC together with a British organization are jointly working on developing a Project Design Note (PIN) that will highlight the biodiversity credits generated by EBDA farms. This PIN will serve as a comprehensive record, showcasing the commendable efforts of member farmers in conserving and promoting biodiversity on their farms. By making these efforts visible, the EBDA and CFC aim to create awareness and recognition for the vital role that biodiversity plays in sustaining our ecosystems and food systems. This innovative approach to measuring and valuing biodiversity efforts through a credit system will not only incentivize farmers to adopt biodiversity-friendly practices but also contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in the region. The EBDA is committed to promoting regenerative, biodynamic agriculture and fostering biodiversity conservation, creating a positive impact on both the environment and the livelihoods of farmers in Egypt.
Also during April 2023, the Economy of Love standard gained international recognition by becoming a member of the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA). This membership allows EoL to better participate in the voluntary carbon credit market and opens up new opportunities for the Egyptian Biodynamic Association to generate income for their farming members. By aligning with IETA, EoL gains credibility and legitimacy in the global carbon credit market, providing a solid foundation for EBDA’s biodynamic farming practices. The income generated from the sale of carbon credits will not only support EBDA’s mission of promoting sustainable agriculture in Egypt but also contribute to the livelihoods of their farming members, helping to create a more resilient and economically viable future for Egyptian farmers.
TRAINING AND LEARNING MATERIAL CREATED WITH OUR PARTNERS
Videos on the benefits of Economy of love standard
In light of Organic Egypt’s and EBDA’s cooperation to raise awareness, Economy of Love (EoL) was able to publish new videos on their channels. The trailer for EoL begins with a breathtaking aerial shot of a lush, green landscape in the morning dust dotted with wildflowers and pigeons. Another video produced includes snippets from an information video titled “What is EoL,” which emphasize mutual care, collaboration of farmers, businesses and consumers, and sustainability in building a more compassionate and interconnected world.
Agricultural advice
With the support of organic agriculture experts, we publish advice on organic agricultural cultivation methods on our social media platforms in simple Arabic language. During this April we published the first advice of a series of advices on organic weed management. This first advice was about the use of sorghum in its different forms (as cultivation, as an extract, as a powder) in weed management. We got very high reach on this post and many questions from interested people.
ORGANIC EGYPT AS A SUSTAINABLE ENTITY
Organic Egypt forum
Organic Egypt project focuses on developing the organic agricultural sector in Egypt through strengthening selected farmer associations to deliver demand-driven services in line with future market trends for organic farmers. During its implementation since December 2018, it became clear how important it is to continue the activities of the project beyond its funding and start a new and sustainable Forum that seeks to develop the organic agricultural sector in Egypt and bring together all stakeholders of the sector to empower its development. Organic Egypt project team conducted several meetings with its partner associations EBDA and IDAM to discuss the suitable future forum and its possible activities. Both partner and the project team agreed on starting an “Organic Egypt Forum” in 2023 and evaluate its efficiency after one year to be developed either in a center under the Heliopolis University or in an independent association.
