Egypt, FAO to invest US$4.2M to boost livestock farming, combat climate change
EGYPT – The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to advance livestock farming and tackle climate change.
This collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), as confirmed by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in a statement released on December 16, 2024.
The initiative, which receives a €4 million (US$4.2 million) grant from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, aims to enhance productivity within Egypt’s livestock and agricultural sectors.
The plan includes strengthening animal health systems to prevent the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and helping farmers adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
In a related development, the agricultural sector in Egypt is experiencing growth.
In a separate announcement made on November 19, Raouf Tawfik, CEO of Dahra Agriculture Egypt, revealed that the company will invest US$30 million in expanding its agricultural operations in Egypt over the next three years.
Dahra Agriculture is a subsidiary of the UAE-based Al Dahra agribusiness group.
The investment will focus on boosting production and processing capabilities for key crops, including cereals such as wheat and corn, citrus fruits, and sugar beets.
Tawfik emphasized that the company’s plans prioritize cultivating essential crops, improving export quality, and implementing sustainable farming practices to maximize yield per acre.
The company will also direct funds toward modernizing machinery, improving irrigation systems, and expanding the amount of cultivated land.
Al Dahra currently manages around 66,700 acres of farmland in the New Valley and Ash Sharqiyah governorates.
According to data from Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture, the country’s agricultural exports reached US$4.1 billion between January and October 2024, representing a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Agriculture plays a huge role in Egypt’s economy, contributing 10% to the national GDP and employing roughly 19% of the labor force.
The production of key crops such as sugar beets, sugar cane, and wheat is vital to the country’s agricultural landscape.
Among livestock, chickens are the most prevalent, followed by rabbits, hares, and cattle.
The total value of Egypt’s agricultural production is expected to reach US$25.05 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 2.63% projected through 2029.
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