WELCOME TO ORGANIC EGYPT NEWSLETTER!
Volume 41
Dear Reader,
This is volume number 41 of Organic Egypt project newsletter. It reviews our activities in October 2024 and illustrates all interventions conducted with our partners, the Integral Development Action of Minia (IDAM) and the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA).
We hope you enjoy the read!
TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS FOR PARTNER ASSOCIATION
Training on Sustainable Irrigation Water Management
Organic Egypt conducted a two-day training for the partner association EBDA on sustainable irrigation water management. On the first day, the training covered the planning of different irrigation systems such as sprinkler, drip irrigation and other watering techniques. The second day, the lecturer addressed the impact of sustainable water management practices on crop yield and overall environmental sustainability as well as the methods of estimating plant water needs, emphasizing the role of proper irrigation in reducing water waste and increasing productivity. Overall, the training was a good opportunity for the participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of water management in agriculture and how it can positively impact crop production and environmental conservation. The participants left with practical knowledge and skills that they can apply with their farming members on the fields.
Training on Sustainable Water Management and Climate Change Adaptation
Organic Egypt organized a three-day training for the partner association IDAM on sustainable water management and climate change adaptation. On the first day, the trainer talked about the water resources in Egypt and the importance of developing strategies to ensure their sustainability in the face of climate change challenges. On the second day, the participants had the opportunity to plan water requirements for certain agricultural crops based on different climate change scenarios that are happening in Egypt recently. On the last day, the training was mainly about awareness regarding climate change adaptation and the role of sustainable water management practices in mitigating its impacts. The participants also engaged in discussions on potential solutions and actions that can be taken at both individual and community levels to address these challenges effectively.
Graduation Ceremony for Organic Agricultural Extension Program
The graduation ceremony for the Organic Agricultural Extension Program was held on the 10th of October, 2024, where 18 IDAM engineers graduated from the comprehensive, 17 module training program!! During the ceremony, certificates of completion were handed out to the participants, which are now equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to consult and support farmers in their transition to organic agriculture. It was a festive occasion filled with excitement and pride of their accomplishments, as well as the ceremony highlighting the importance of spreading the concept of organic farming to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural system.
NEW INNOVATIVE SERVICES OF OUR PARTNER ASSOCIATIONS
Learning Center for Biodynamic Preparations
Our partner association EBDA, had the opportunity to implement the first biodynamic preparations training for students in the new established center. The center gave the opportunity for all students to learn about the importance of biodynamic preparations in organic farming practices and to gain hands-on experience in creating and applying these preparations by themselves in order to enhance soil fertility and plant health. Next training session is planned with a group of EBDA members from Sharqia Governorate to learn how to do the preparation themselves. The center is a great place that combines production, research and showcasing of the preparations.
TRAINING AND LEARNING MATERIAL CREATED WITH OUR PARTNER
Report on the Partner associations contribution to Improve the Framework Conditions of Organic Agriculture in Egypt
Organic Egypt published a report about the project partners’ contribution in improving the framework conditions of organic agriculture in Egypt. A survey was made with approximately 100 different sector stakeholders including governmental institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, and research entities to measure their satisfaction across various aspects of the partner associations’ activities. The findings highlight areas of success, such as the significant contributions to awareness raising and knowledge dissemination, and suggest areas for improvement, particularly in the facilitation of marketing processes and policy influence. Additionally, the suggestions and requests from stakeholders emphasized the need for creating marketing channels for organic products, supporting sales outlets for organic inputs, and assisting smallholder organic farmers. By gathering feedback from these varied sources, the survey aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the partner associations’ effectiveness in improving the overall context of organic farming. The overall approval rate from stakeholders was 82%, indicating a significant positive impact on the organic agriculture sector in Egypt.
EDUCATIONAL AND AWARENESS RAISING CAMPAIGNS
Graduation of Organic Ambassador program in Minia
With the support of the Organic Egypt project, our partner association IDAM developed the “Organic Agriculture Ambassador Programme,” a pioneering initiative aimed at uniting rural and urban youth in Minia. This month was the graduation for all the participants and delivery of certificates regarding the implementation of green initiatives in their communities and their participation in the program. During the ceremony participants shared their experiences and future plans for promoting organic agriculture in their respective communities. The programme has successfully empowered young people to become advocates for sustainable farming methods and has created a network of passionate individuals committed to driving positive change in the region.
NETWORKING ACTIVITIES OF ORGANIC EGYPT PROJECT AND PARTNER
SEKEM Farm Excursion as an Awareness Raising Activity
Organic Egypt team took part in a one day learning excursion on the SEKEM Farm to learn how to conduct farm tours. This is the first learning excursion of several excursions planned on different organic farms close to cairo. The plan is for Organic Egypt team to learn and be equipped on how to make, organize, and implement farm tours for awareness raising purposes for schools and students. The learning excursion started with information about the farm history and its mission to promote biodynamic farming methods. Furthermore, the team visited all the different sections of the farm, including the fields, school, and animal areas, to observe and engage in and hope to support many schools and students to broaden their horizons in terms of organic farming.
Evaluation mission of Organic Egypt Project
In October 2024, Organic Egypt project was evaluated after 6 years of project implementation. During the seven days of the evaluation mission, many meetings were conducted with our partner associations IDAM and EBDA as well as other relevant stakeholders to assess the impact of the project. The evaluation mission had the chance to attend both graduation ceremonies; the “Organic Agricultural Extension Program” as well as the “Organic Ambassador program” which was a great opportunity to hear directly from the beneficiaries what they have learned and how the project had supported them. The evaluation team also visited several project sites and farming members to assess the project’s impact. Overall, they were impressed by Organic Egypts interventions and its high positive impact on the project partners and their specific situations and ideas. Additionally, in terms of sustainability, the evaluation team welcomed the establishment of Organic Egypt Foundation to continue its services effectively and support the development of the organic agricultural sector.
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