Dr. Al-Mashat: Food security is a top priority for the government to achieve economic development.

A range of projects will be implemented under the "NWFE" program to enhance the sustainability of agricultural development and expand early warning systems.

Minister of Agriculture: The Livestock Development Strategy in Egypt aims to increase productivity in dairy and meat production to ensure food security.

Farouk: The ministry is working to raise awareness among smallholders about proper care practices for new livestock breeds.

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to develop livestock wealth and address climate change.

The protocol was signed by Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and Dr. AbdulHakim ElWaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the FAO Regional Office in Cairo.

The protocol aims to support producers in adapting to climate change, enhance livestock procedures, and implement animal health measures to mitigate the emergence of antibiotic-resistant microbes. It also seeks to improve productivity in Egypt’s agricultural and livestock sectors.

The project will be executed by the FAO in collaboration with the General Authority for Veterinary Services and other relevant agencies, as part of FAO's commitment to helping countries achieve the complete eradication of hunger while addressing climate change by improving the management of livestock systems.

The project will be funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation with a grant of 4 million euros.

In H.E.’s speech, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the significant role of the agricultural sector in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that economic development cannot be achieved without ensuring food security and adopting policies that enhance the sector's resilience to climate change.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation also praised the joint efforts with the FAO under Egypt’s close partnership with the United Nations.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat noted that many food security and agricultural development programs have been implemented under this partnership. She further acknowledged the role of bilateral partners, including Italy, in providing grants and funding for joint projects with the UN, reflecting the effectiveness and impact of multilateral cooperation.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of the project signed today, given the country's focus on developing the livestock sector while considering environmental standards and sustainable methods.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also mentioned that Egypt has implemented several projects and programs that have become replicable models for Southern countries. Accordingly, the Ministry is working with partners to document these efforts for use in advancing South-South cooperation and supporting development in developing countries.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that the world needs to accelerate the transformation of food and agricultural systems to enhance their resilience and ensure that healthy, affordable diets are accessible to all, in accordance with the 2024 State of Food Security Report. In this context, the Ministry is implementing the energy pillar as part of the "NWFE" program, which includes projects related to early warning systems and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

Following the signing, Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, stated that the main goals of Egypt's livestock development strategy are to improve the breeding of local cattle and buffalo, develop specialized breeds for high dairy and meat production that are adapted to Egyptian conditions, and increase productivity in dairy and meat sectors to achieve self-sufficiency, reduce import gaps, and enhance the living standards of smallholders and farmers.

Mr. Farouk pointed out that from the major challenges facing livestock development is the lack of data on the distribution of livestock across various governorates, the scarcity of natural pastures, the rising global feed prices, and the growing phenomenon of climate change and rising temperatures. These factors have led to the creation of new areas vulnerable to disease vectors, as well as the need to raise awareness among smallholders about proper care practices suitable for new livestock breeds, in response to the increasing demand for animal products due to population growth.

The Minister of Agriculture extended gratitude to H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, for her full support of agricultural and food security projects. He also expressed appreciation to the FAO and the Italian Embassy in Cairo, commending the excellent and distinguished relations between Egypt and Italy in all fields of agricultural, commercial, and economic cooperation.

Dr. AbdulHakim ElWaer expressed pleasure in representing the FAO at the signing of the "Addressing Climate Change through Sustainable Livestock Management" project, funded by the Italian government. This project, to be implemented in the governorates of Beheira and Assiut, will be in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the Veterinary Services Authority, and its affiliated veterinary laboratories.

He added that, as part of the FAO’s role in Egypt, the project directly contributes to Egypt’s national strategies, plans, and initiatives, including the "Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030," which focuses on modernizing the agricultural sector to achieve food security for all citizens, improving nutrition, and raising living standards in rural areas. It also aligns with Egypt's strategy for climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, the Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy, and the presidential initiatives "Hayah Karima" and "Bidaya."

Dr. ElWaer also highlighted Egypt’s national pathways for successful transformation of food systems, ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all, and promoting sustainable and healthy consumption patterns.

Dr. Martino Melli, Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, confirmed that the budget allocated for this project is 4 million euros, provided by the Italian government for its implementation in the governorates of Beheira and Assiut.

He added that the Italian Agency supports numerous development projects in Egypt, particularly in the agricultural sector, such as the "Kafy" and "Zera’a" projects, aimed at supporting Egypt’s development efforts.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, the FAO, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.