Objectives:

To improve the living conditions and revenues of the smallholder farmers and their communities in the governorates of Sohag, Asyut and Beni Suef, through a sustainable and integrated approach to rural development while addressing increasing resource scarcity in a context of rapid population growth

• Reinforce the capacities of the rural population in the three governorates (Sohag, Asyut, Beni Suef) with increased agricultural economic opportunities—particularly for women—and increased opportunities for training and education

Activities:

Output 2.1 – Strengthening Agricultural Extension Systems

• Development and updating of agricultural extension plans aligned with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and climate-smart agriculture.

• Capacity building of extension services through Training of Trainers for extensionists, Water User Associations, and partner organizations.

• Deployment of extension activities through Farmer Field Schools, demonstration fields, irrigation awareness programs, and support to Water User Associations.

• Design and implementation of modern irrigation and climate-smart agriculture pilots, including solar-powered irrigation systems and improved fodder trials.

• Development of digital extension tools (platforms and mobile applications) to enhance outreach and farmer awareness.

Output 2.2 – Improving Animal Wealth Resources

• Assessment of animal husbandry systems, livestock needs, and diversification opportunities.

• Strengthening veterinary services through training in disease diagnosis, vaccination, artificial insemination, and ultrasound use.

• Deployment of veterinary therapeutic convoys to provide medicines and vaccination services to farmers.

• Awareness-raising among farmers on livestock health, hygiene, and artificial insemination practices.

• Support to livestock diversification and dairy value chains, including milk hygiene, nutrition improvement, dairy collection centers, and circular economy practices.

• Production and dissemination of technical, digital, and awareness materials to support sustainable livestock development.

Results:

Output 2.1 – Strengthened Agricultural Extension Systems

• Updated extension programmes for 10 crops, supported by awareness materials and digital campaigns.

• Delivery of 22 training courses, reaching 660 trainees, with comprehensive training materials and reports.

• Development of Farmer Field Schools curricula and registration of 60 Water User Associations.

• Completion of impact assessment reports covering Farmer Field Schools, irrigation pilots, and improved seed trials.

Output 2.2 – Improved Animal Wealth Resources

• Completion of assessment studies on animal husbandry systems and needs.
• Delivery of capacity-building programs in veterinary diagnosis, vaccination, artificial insemination, and ultrasound techniques.
• Implementation of awareness campaigns and materials on animal health and milk hygiene.
• Deployment of 120 veterinary therapeutic convoys, with delivery and impact reports.
• Production of technical studies and reports on buffalo nutrition, dairy value chains, and dairy collection centers, alongside workshops, training materials, and digital awareness packages across the three governorates.