The workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government institutions, international organizations, and development experts. Among the participants were Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed, Deputy Director of the Soils, Water and Environment Research Institute at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, in coordination with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation; Mr. Stephen Fragaszy, Regional Director of the Resilience Project at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI); Dr. Saber Othman, Head of the Central Administration for Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment; Dr. Namaa Rekhā, Technical Office Director at the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood; and Prof. Dr. Hala Yousry, Member of the Rural Women Committee at the National Council for Women.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Khaled Fahmy, Executive Director of CEDARE and former Minister of Environment, described the project as a practical model for bridging the gap between policy frameworks and on-the-ground implementation in the Arab region. He emphasized the importance of integrating institutional efforts with local expertise and building on lessons learned from field experiences.
Fahmy highlighted that the project has helped improve water-use efficiency, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and empowering rural communities. He stressed that women’s economic empowerment and the strengthening of rural livelihoods were central components of the initiative.
The workshop also reviewed key results achieved in Beheira Governorate, where the project implemented a range of field interventions. These included the establishment of two solar-powered improved surface irrigation units serving 20 feddans and benefiting 14 farmers, as well as the formation of a Water Users Association to support participatory and sustainable water management.
Additional measures included the provision of a laser land-leveling unit to enhance irrigation efficiency across agricultural lands, and the implementation of two demonstration fields to address soil salinity using natural treatments such as agricultural gypsum, compost, and soil leaching techniques.
On the socio-economic level, the project supported 136 households through small-scale income-generating activities. It also provided training to approximately 500 participants—including farmers, women, and youth—on good agricultural practices, entrepreneurship, and community development.
As part of efforts to promote women’s economic inclusion, three artichoke processing units were established and are currently managed by 30 women, contributing to higher household incomes and improved marketing and export opportunities.
The project further introduced four farmer field schools focusing on key crops such as artichoke, sugar beet, and maize, alongside training on natural methods for managing saline soils.
Participants also shared success stories from beneficiaries, highlighting the project's positive impact on local communities through the adoption of innovative water management and agricultural practices.
Concluding the workshop, participants emphasized that the achievements of the “Al Murunah” Project provide a strong foundation for future efforts aiming to scale up and replicate successful models. They stressed the importance of integrating these approaches into national strategies to enhance water and food security and strengthen climate resilience in Egypt and across the region.
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