Training and Field Demonstrations in Sohag, Assiut and Beni Suef Governorates, Egypt

Agriconsulting Europe S.A. (AESA) is implementing a major capacity building initiative under Specific Objective 2 (SO2) of the EU-ZIRA3A Programme – the EU Integrated Rural Development Programme for Egypt, signed between the European Union Delegation in Egypt and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

The overall objective of this contract is to reinforce the capacities of rural communities in the governorates of Sohag, Assiut, and Beni Suef, by increasing agricultural economic opportunities, with a strong focus on women’s empowerment, access to training, and education.

About the EU-ZIRA3A Programme

The EU-ZIRA3A Programme supports the Egyptian Government in implementing the Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy (SADS). It aims to improve the livelihoods of rural communities by supporting:

• Smallholder farmers and their families
• Farmers’ cooperatives and Water User Associations
• Agricultural and rural development institutions at central and governorate levels

While the programme places a strong emphasis on mitigating water scarcity, it also promotes improved agricultural extension services, enhanced livestock production, and innovative income-generating solutions, particularly for rural women and youth.

Expected Outputs

Output 2.1 – Strengthening Agricultural Extension Systems

This output focuses on promoting sustainable management of natural resources and agrifood ecosystems through:

Output 2.2 – Improving and Diversifying Animal Wealth Resources

This output aims to enhance livestock productivity, resilience, and value chains through:

Assessment and Knowledge Building

• Studies on animal husbandry needs and livestock diversification
• Mapping livestock associations and assessing genetic diversity

Capacity Building of Veterinary Services

• Specialized training on disease diagnosis, vaccination, artificial insemination, and ultrasound use
• 90 awareness sessions reaching nearly 3,000 farmers
• 120 veterinary convoys providing medicines and vaccination services

Improving Livestock Profitability and Dairy Value Chains

• Awareness sessions on livestock diversification and dairy value chains
• Development of buffalo nutrition plans and hygiene standards
• Training aligned with EU, EFSA, and CODEX standards
• Advocacy and studies promoting farmer participation in dairy collection and processing centers
• Dissemination of digital and printed awareness materials

Trainings Implemented (December 2025 – January 2026)

Output 2.1 – Agricultural Extension

Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes for agricultural extension agents in:

• Sohag Governorate
• Beni Suef Governorate
• Assiut Governorate

Topics included principles of agricultural extension work, Farmer Field Schools, and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) & Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) for a wide range of crops.
👉 Total participants: 432 extension agents (December 2025)

Output 2.2 – Livestock and Veterinary Services

• Awareness sessions in all three governorates (December 2025)
• Training on ultrasound use for pregnancy monitoring (Sohag)
• Veterinary convoys and disease diagnosis training (Beni Suef)
• Artificial insemination awareness sessions (Sohag)