CGIAR Initiative on Fragility to Resilience in Central and West Asia and North Africa

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117890

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Resilient Agrifood Systems

Primary CGIAR impact area: Climate adaptation and mitigation

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/10-from-fragility-to-resilience-in-central-and-west-asia-and-north-africa-f2r-cwana-transforming-responses-to-drought-and-climate-variability/

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The CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands
(Presentation, 2024-12-01) Baum, Michael
Presentation on the CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands.
CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands
(Internal Document, 2024-07-01) International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
CGIAR is dedicated to creating a world where sustainable and resilient agrifood systems provide safe, healthy, and affordable diets, improve livelihoods, and ensure greater social equality while keeping within environmentally sustainable boundaries . Transforming dryland food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis through science and innovation is crucial for achieving this mission. Drylands cover 46% of the world’s land , are home to around 38% of the global population, and support nearly 44% of the world’s agricultural systems, including half of its livestock . The drylands - already challenging areas for predictable food production - face mounting pressures from extreme climate change and variability, water scarcity, land degradation, and loss of the biodiversity and ecosystem services that support agrifood systems. Our efforts must keep pace with these challenges, for the sake of the current drylands, and for the areas that may turn into drylands in the future as the impacts of climate change become ever more evident. The CGIAR 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands has been developed to align with the 2030 CGIAR Research and Innovation Strategy. It presents the informed and coordinated approach that CGIAR will take to contribute to the sustainable and resilient transformation of dryland agrifood systems, building on our unique value proposition and track record of co-creating and co-delivering innovative research and impact in the drylands. It also aligns with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This strategy was developed through extensive consultations with stakeholders across CGIAR and our partner network, informed by research and a foresight study on future global dryland scenarios. This process brought together expertise across CGIAR Centers, our partners, countries, and disciplines to build consensus on the opportunities and challenges to realizing our vision. As a result, five key opportunities for dryland transformation and investment were prioritized: (1) optimized agrifood systems for climate adaptation; (2) conserving and using biodiversity for community and ecosystem resilience; (3) managing soil, land, and water systems for sustainable production; (4) ensuring access to sustainable, healthy diets to alleviate hunger and malnutrition; and (5) translating evidence-based approaches into policy for development. Underpinning these opportunities are our cross-cutting approaches to gender equality, youth, and social inclusion; innovation, scaling and adoption; working in fragile and conflict-affected areas; and partnerships and advocacy. Through a coordinated systems approach, we will pool our capacity and expertise, including through our diverse network of partners, to move beyond incremental change and towards structural transformation for dryland communities.
Where Do We Stand After Ten Years of Harmonized Seed Trade Regulations in COMESA? Case Studies from Egypt and Sudan
(Policy Contribution, 2024-12-01) Bishaw, Zewdie; Yigezu, Yigezu; Berhane, Guush
1. Background and context Effective seed systems that provide farmers access to well-adapted and quality seeds are crucial for food system transformation and improving food security in Sub-Sahara Africa. However, seed systems across SSA are at early stages of development and only a fraction of farmers in this region have access to improved varieties and quality seeds (FAO, 1998, Cromwell, 1987, Rohrbach et al., 2003, Hunga et al 2023) particularly for food security crops. Lack of access to quality seeds of well adapted varieties thus remains a critical bottleneck to transforming Africa’s food systems, in general, and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) region, in particular (Gaffney et al., 2016). An important historical precedence in the global varietal release and seed system development is that countries need not wait until local capabilities are developed to generate their own improved varieties. Historically, countries have benefited from sharing of imported improved high-yielding varieties developed through research and breeding programs elsewhere and facilitated by deliberate cross-border seed trade. A notable example is the cross-border trade of high-yielding rice and wheat varieties among the participants of the Green Revolution in Asia (Hazel, 2019). Besides facilitating the transfer of technologies, such cross-border seed trade allowed the introduction of diverse crops adapted to regions with unique environmental and agroclimatic conditions and enabled them to mitigate local challenges. Cross-border seed trade is however unlikely to occur in a vacuum and involves a robust national and regional seed sector organized with coherent and transparent seed laws and regulations that facilitate trade (Rohrbach et al., 2003; Hunga et al., 2023). An efficient and transparent seed regulatory system is crucial to ensure that farmers have timely access to high quality seed at an affordable price (See e.g., Kuhlmann et al., 2023). While cross-border seed trade and integration of regional markets can help resolve this challenge, lack of harmonized, lengthy, and bureaucratic varietal release and registration system, seed quality assurance and certification procedures, and inadequate phytosanitary and quarantine measures for seed import and export as well as non-transparent, and non-inclusive domestic seed regulations stand out as obstacles in this process (Daniel et al., 2019; Hunga et al 2023). Harmonizing varietal release and seed regulations is thus crucial for promoting regional seed trade and ensuring the safe movement of improved varieties and quality seeds across borders (Rohrbach et al., 2003, Kuhlmann, 2015, Kuhlmann, 2023). Regional organizations such as COMESA (The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) have been aspiring to bridge cross-border trade through harmonized seed regulations across member states (Kuhlmann, 2015; Hunga et al., 2023). A notable example is the strategic initiative of COMESA’s specialized agency of the Alliance for Commodity Trade in East and Southern Africa (ACTESA) to harmonize seed trade regulations across the COMESA region. The initiative, which is known as the COMESA Seed Harmonization Implementation Plan (COMSHIP) was signed by all member states in 2014 (COMESA, 2014; Kuhlmann, 2015). The launching of COMESA’s seed trade harmonization regulations is considered an important milestone for Sub-Saharan Africa’s seed sector development1. COMESA has collaborated with other regional organizations, including the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to establish the COMESA-SADC-EAC Tripartite Free Trade Area, which includes harmonized seed trade regulations that aimed to streamline the marketing, and removal of barriers for variety release and registration as well as seed production, certification, and marketing (UNECA, 2012; Hunga et al., 2023). The COMESA regulations aim primarily to harmonize variety release and registration procedures, seed quality assurance and certification schemes, and phytosanitary and quarantine measures in the region (Kuhlmann, 2015; Gaffney et al. 2016; Munyi, 2022). An important feature in this regulation is that a variety is released and registered in the COMESA catalogue
Small-Scale Mechanization Adoption and Scalability: Consultation Workshop and Policy Dialogue in Egypt
(Internal Document) Devkota Wasti, Mina; Attaher, Samar
Implementing small-scale mechanization in Egyptian agriculture can increase productivity, promote sustainability, and enhance socio-economic resilience among smallholder farmers. However, in overall, adoption of mechanization is low in Egypt. In this context a stakeholder consultation and policy dialogue was organized with focusing on option for scaling out scale appropriate mechanization for smallholder farmers in Egypt. On 9th December 2024, ARC and ICARDA held a pivotal workshop titled Challenges and Opportunities for Small-Mechanization Scalability in Egypt to address the critical issues and opportunities surrounding agricultural mechanization in Egypt. The workshop was held at the Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AEnRI- ARC) in Dokki-Giza. This workshop brought together 58 diverse groups of experts, including agricultural engineers, economists, industry representatives, researchers, and policymakers, to discuss and evaluate the current state and prospects of small-scale agricultural machinery in Egypt. Recommendations from the workshop included revising cooperative laws, exploring funding programs for small-scale projects, and promoting multi-purpose machinery to enhance cost efficiency. Participants also emphasized the need for collaboration between manufacturers and researchers to create tailored solutions for small plots and fragmented landholdings. Digital tools, such as online platforms for machinery promotion and technical support, were proposed to bridge gaps in communication and accessibility. The workshop underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to address the barriers to mechanization and drive sustainable agricultural practices in Egypt. By fostering partnerships and leveraging innovation, the sector can unlock its potential and significantly improve productivity for smallholders. To improve the state of agricultural mechanization, coordinated efforts among government bodies, private sector players, NGOs, and research institutions are essential. Recommendations include subsidizing machinery costs, promoting local manufacturing, and developing cooperative-run machinery pools. Training farmers and creating financing options, such as leasing or installment plans, will further support smallholders in adopting mechanization. Private sector involvement in designing compact, affordable machinery tailored to small-scale farming is also critical. Strengthening spare parts availability, improving diagnostic capabilities, and fostering collaboration between manufacturers and farmers will also be pivotal in driving mechanization. With strategic investments and focused initiatives, Egypt's agriculture can transition toward higher productivity and sustainability. Addressing the gaps in mechanization will reduce dependency on manual labor, improve crop yields, and ensure food security, particularly for small-scale farmers who form the backbone of the agricultural sector.
Sustainable Land Productivity and Community Resilience: Micro and Meso-Scale Water Harvesting in Jordan's Rangelands and Rainfed Areas
(Working Paper, 2024-12-31) Dhehibi, Boubaker; Haddad, Mira; Souissi, Asma
This section should provide a snapshot of the entire document and highlight the most important findings. This working paper highlights the economic and environmental benefits of implementing micro and meso-scale water harvesting (RWH) technologies in Jordan’s arid and semi-arid regions, emphasizing their potential for sustainable water and land management. Technologies analyzed include Vallerani RWH, Marab RWH, and olive farming techniques (soil and stone bunds) tailored to diverse topographical and ecological conditions. Key findings demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and profitability of these systems. Olive soil bunds emerge as the most cost-efficient option, with a low investment of US$76 per hectare and an exceptional Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 23.36, reflecting significant economic returns. Marab RWH shows moderate capital expenditure (US$918/ha) but offers strong financial viability with a Net Present Value (NPV) of US$6,699 and a payback period of just three years. Vallerani RWH, while having a more extended payback period (6 years), provides extensive ecosystem restoration benefits alongside economic returns. Beyond financial indicators, these technologies enhance ecosystem services by reducing runoff and soil erosion, improving soil fertility, and increasing water retention. They support agricultural productivity, stabilize degraded lands, and contribute to climate resilience. The integration of these systems into national water management strategies can address pressing challenges like water scarcity, desertification, and land degradation. Policy recommendations emphasize scaling up these RWH systems across suitable regions, ensuring community engagement, and integrating them into broader watershed management frameworks. Strategic investment in these technologies will not only enhance agricultural sustainability but also strengthen Jordan’s resilience to climate variability and resource scarcity.
Research for Promoting Sustainable Farming Systems in arid and semi-arid areas of Morocco: Challenges, achievements and future prospects
(Book, 2024-12-01) Moussadek, Rachid; Ouabbou, Hassan; El Gharras, Oussama; Dahan, Rachid; El Mourid, Mohamad
This book introduces research axis results that aim conserving natural resources, improving the efficiency of resource use, and research schemes to developing crop varieties that can improve productivity by increasing yield, reducing the crop cycle to mature, increasing tolerance to stresses such as drought, salinity, pests, and disease, and improving technological quality of crops, in all, solutions on the ground that farmers can adopt to enhance positive effects towards greater adaptive capacity.
Farmers' Participation in Messenger-Based Social Groups And Its Effects on Performance in Irrigated Areas of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
(Journal Article, 2024-11-09) Kurbanov, Zafar; Tadjiev, Abdusame; Djanibekov, Nodir; Govind, Ajit; Akramkhanov, Akmal
he penetration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in farming communities is increasing the use of smartphone-based instant messaging apps. Despite this, the reasons behind participation and the impact on farm productivity in developing countries remain unexplored. This study uses survey data of cotton growers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to explore factors explaining participation in social media groups and its impact on farm performance. The results show that the factors and benefits differ across these two countries. Participation in social media groups has a positive effect on cotton yields in both countries, but increases revenue only in Kazakhstan. We discuss possible reasons for contrasting results and policy implications for improving agricultural extension and advisory services in Central Asia. Scaling up smartphone-based e-extension should focus on younger, more educated farmers. Emphasizing associated economic benefits and fostering decision-making autonomy among farmers will be crucial for creating conducive environment for benefiting from e-extension services.
دراسة سلسلة القيمة و القدرة التنافسية لنخيل التمرفي مملكة البحرين
(Working Paper) Abdel el Karim, Abdel Aziz Mohamed; Dhehibi, Boubaker; Ibrahim, Abdulbasit
دراسة سلسلة القيمة و القدرة التنافسية لنخيل التمرفي مملكة البحرين
Genotype Specific Agronomic Solutions in Wheat production in Irrigated Drylands of Egypt: Genotype x Environment x Management Experiments
(Report) Attaher, Samar; Devkota Wasti, Mina; Devkota, Krishna; Omar, Mohie; Nangia, Vinay
The agricultural system in Egypt is facing increasing water scarcity, soil salinity, and unsustainable farming practices such as over application of water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable agronomic solutions tailored to specific genotypes, environments, and management practices. These studies investigated genotype × environment × management (G × E × M) interactions to optimize wheat production. Field experiments were conducted over the 2022/23 and 2023/24 winter seasons to evaluate the effects of wheat varieties, seeding methods, and irrigation systems on crop yield, water productivity (WP), and energy efficiency in the old lands of Egypt’s Nile Valley. Three wheat varieties—Giza 171, Sids 15, and Masr 3—were evaluated alongside three seeding methods (hand-broadcasting, seed drilling, and raised beds) and three irrigation systems (border surface irrigation, gated pipes, and drip irrigation). Results showed a significant difference in agronomic performance among the tested treatments. All three-variety produced more than the national average yield (6.8 t/ha) under all three-crop establishment and three irrigation system. There was no significant interaction effect of variety x crop establishment methods and irrigation method in both years. This Indicates that all three varieties can be successfully grown under all three-establishment method and irrigation systems without yield penalty.
Guidelines for Sustainable Intensification of Wheat Production in Sudan
(Book) Devkota, Krishna; Idris, Amani A. M.; Mohamed Mustfa, Hala; Elamein, Hala Mohamed Mustafa; Devkota Wasti, Mina; Eltayeb, Salah; Jabow, Maie Kabbashi Alla; Elkhawad, Mohamed; Abdelgadir Elnour, Omer; Abdelrahman Yousif, Lotfie
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a staple crop with significant importance to the national economy and food security in Sudan. As a primary component of the Sudanese diet, wheat-based products— such as bread, porridge, pastries, pasta, cookies, and sweets—provide a substantial portion of daily caloric intake and contribute to the overall nutritional well-being of the population. Although wheat cultivation in the country dates back to ancient times, it was largely confined to the Northern State (17-22° N) until the 1940s, where traditional wheat consumption was prevalent. With limited land and high production costs in the Northern State, increasing demand led to an expansion southward to warmer regions and irrigated schemes in central and eastern areas (13-15° N). Today, major wheat-growing regions include the Nile River Valley, Gezira Scheme, Northern States, Eastern Sudan, Central Sudan, North Kordofan, and other irrigated areas. Due to the country’s arid and semi-arid climate, production depends heavily on irrigation. The area under wheat cultivation varies year-to-year (187,000 to 321,000 hectares, with a 26% coefficient of variation), influenced by changing weather, market demand, and government policies. In 2021, wheat was grown on approximately 260,000 hectares, making it the sixth-largest crop by area, following sorghum, groundnut, sesame, millet, and melon (FAOSTAT, 2023). Productivity has increased modestly, with a growth rate of 353 kg/ha per year and an average yield of 2.3 t/ha (totaling around 600,000 tons). Despite these gains, local production meets only 23% of domestic wheat demand, necessitating substantial imports. In 2021, the country imported 1.96 million tons of wheat at a cost of USD 621 million, placing a significant strain on its limited foreign exchange reserves (FAOSTAT, 2023). Expanding local production and improving yields are essential strategies for reducing dependence on imports and enhancing food security.
Nitrogen in cereal systems: Opportunities for sustainable agricultural growth
(Journal Article, 2024) Anupam Das; Chakraborty, Debashis
Nitrogen is the most important nutrient in plant production. Nitrogen management is also essential to ensure global food security while reducing environmental degradation and stabilize disequilibrium. To maintain N balance in an agricultural ecosystem, the value of N inputs must equal N. Soil organic matter (SOM) is an important indicator of soil fertility, a source of energy for heterotrophic organisms, and an important source of plant nutrients. particularly nitrogen in the form of soil organic matter (SON). Progress has been made in developing effective nitrogen management techniques as well as good agricultural practices to increase yields and efficient nitrogen use while reducing nitrogen loads. There are many technologies that farmers can use, such as sowing at higher plant densities, soil test-based fertilizer N application, split N fertilizer applications, fertigation, site-specific N management, new fertilizer formulations such as controlled release nitrification inhibitors and nano-fertilizer formulations in order to encourage the adoption by farmers. Finally, for sustainable agricultural growth, campaign against the misuse of nitrogen fertilizer and policies to improve soil quality need to be promoted.
Policy change and farmer feedback: Does anonymity matter? Evidence from Uzbekistan
(Blog Post, 2025-01-28) Liutin, Anton; Dower, Paul Castañeda; Alvi, Muzna
Policymakers in countries that are transitioning away from authoritarian regimes can face challenges in obtaining unbiased information about local conditions—as do researchers and international community representatives working in these countries, including those trying to understand policy change. This information problem is a critical challenge for water security. As key policy issues related to water resources, climate change, and agricultural supply chains become increasingly globalized, many countries face limited access to local information. Yet, how much, if at all, does such constrained information about local conditions affect the understanding of policies and policy change?
Climate Security Observatory - Somalia
(Brief, 2024-12-10) Sax, Niklas; Schapendonk, Frans; Kenduiywo, Benson; Villa, Victor; Craparo, Alessandro; Benzid, Rym; Nunow, Abdimajid; Pacillo, Grazia
Climate security explores whether climate change increases the risk of armed conflict and, if so, under which circumstances this relationship occurs. People in fragile and conflict-affected areas are also among the most vulnerable to climate change, making it vital to understand the climate-conflict interplay for resilience and peacebuilding. A major challenge for governments in vulnerable, fragile, and conflict-affected regions is managing these complex interactions. Currently, they lack effective tools to implement climate strategies that address social grievances driving conflict and adapt to changing dynamics. In response, conflict-sensitive approaches to climate action are gaining support as mechanisms to ensure transitions to carbon-neutral economies and climate-resilient societies are equitable and aligned with peacebuilding goals. This report summarizes six intersecting pathways between climate, peace, and security in Somalia developed through a multi-methods approach. It also assesses Somalia's current policy landscape to evaluate whether it currently evidences strategic and operational linkages across key policy sectors for climate, peace, and security, and puts forward a set of policy and programming recommendations to orient climate action to mitigate underlying drivers of conflict and contribute to a sustainable peace.
Adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies and Practices in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings: A Review and Meta-Analysis
(Working Paper) Nshakira-Rukundo, Emmanuel; Tabe-Ojong, Martin Paul; Gebrekidan, Bisrat; Agaba, Monica; Surendran Padmaja, Subash; Dhehibi, Boubaker
A major challenge for countries dealing with conflict and instability is encouraging the use of farming technologies and natural resource management practices that are climate-smart. These practices boost productivity, build resilience to climate challenges and thus contribute to other dimensions of resilience such as those associated with conflict. In this review and meta-analysis, we assess factors associated with farmers’ adoption decisions for such technologies and practices. We use advanced machine learning tools to analyze over 42,000 published papers. Focusing on countries identified as fragile due to either climate shocks or conflict, we select 109 papers and extract 1330 coefficients and implement partial correlation coefficient analysis. Our findings show that most of the research comes from two countries; Ethiopia and Nigeria and we do not find any studies from Small Island States. We categorized the technologies into five technology groups, including soil health, erosion management, mechanization, input use and risk reduction technologies. Analysis reveals that factors such as farmer training, access to information, subsidies, and past experiences of using technologies predicts further technology adoption. However, there are significant differences across various technology groups and most especially, a very low coverage of risk-reduction technologies such as insurance.
Training course in applied econometric analysis for young economists/researchers in Uzbekistan: December 2024
(Report, 2024-12-10) International Strategic Center for Agri-Food Development
The stakeholder consultations organized by the CGIAR Initiative on Fragility to Resilience in Central and West Asia and North Africa (F2R-CWANA) in Uzbekistan1 demonstrated a significant need in Uzbekistan for training in quantitative policy analysis and research, including applied data analysis. IFPRI organized introductory and intermediate level training courses in applied quantitative methods and data analysis in collaboration with the Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) from January 30 to February 3, 2023, and December 11-15, 2023, respectively. These courses received positive feedback from local stakeholders, including policymakers, universities, research institutes, and individual researchers. To meet the growing demand and interest in applied econometric analysis and policy research in the country, IFPRI, in collaboration with ICARDA, the International Scientific Center for AgriFood Development (ISCAD) under the Ministry of Agriculture and WIUT, organized a training course in applied econometric analysis from December 10-20, 2024. The following sections of the report provide detailed information about the course.
CIMMYT scientists deliver training to improve agriculture in Uzbekistan
(News Item, 2024-07-22) International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center
Agricultural scientists from Uzbekistan completed training on genetic resources and gene banks in Türkiye to build research cooperation and enhance agricultural knowledge across the region.
A Blueprint for Building Resilience and Food Security in MENA and SSA Drylands: Diversifying Agriculture With Neglected and Underutilized Species
(Journal Article, 2025-01) Devkota, Krishna; Devkota Wasti, Mina; Mabhaudi, Tafadzwanashe; Nangia, Vinay; Attaher, Samar; Jean Boroto, Ruhiza; Timsina, Jagadish; Siddique, Kadambot H M
Drylands, encompassing 41% of global land and supporting over 2 billion people, face significant challenges, including water scarcity, extreme temperatures, and soil degradation. Dryland spans vast areas of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) regions and poses a threat to food security and resilience. This study examines the potential of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) to improve dryland food and nutrition security, focusing on their agronomic performance, water productivity, economic viability, and nutritional benefits. Using long-term data from FAOSTAT, USDA Food Data Central, and peer-reviewed literature, we analyzed trends in the cultivation, yield, and nutritional contributions of 26 NUS across 22 countries in the MENA region comparing them with major staples—rice, wheat, and maize. Between 1961 and 2022, NUS crop areas in MENA fluctuated, decreasing by 7.0% since 2018 to 21.17 Mha. Despite this, NUS demonstrated superior water productivity—up to 30% higher than major cereals. For instance, sorghum and cowpea achieved 2.5 kg/m3 compared to maize (0.83 kg/m3) and wheat (0.91 kg/m3) and exhibited strong heat tolerance, withstanding temperatures of up to 42°C and 38°C, respectively. Despite a negative trade balance, NUS significantly contributed to dietary calories, surpassing wheat. A field experiment in Merchouch, Morocco, confirmed that NUS offered a higher economic value per unit than wheat, and outperformed conventional crops across key indicators. Integrating NUS into dryland farming systems can enhance food security, sustainability, and resilience to climate change. Advancing NUS requires breeding programs, tailored good agricultural practices, value addition and market linkage, supportive policies, and farmer education. Collaborative efforts among international organizations, governments, and civil society are crucial to mainstreaming NUS in agrifood systems and contributing to the diversity, sustainability, and resilience of dryland farming systems in MENA and SSA regions.
Climate change and agronomic management: Addressing wheat yield gaps and sustainability challenges in the Mediterranean and MENA regions
(Journal Article, 2025-03) Tita, Davide; Mahdi, Karrar; Devkota, Krishna; Devkota Wasti, Mina
Wheat is a crucial crop for food and nutritional security in Mediterranean and MENA regions, yet it faces significant challenges due to high yield variability, low average productivity, and substantial yield gaps. This highlights the urgent need for improved agricultural practices to enhance its productivity and resilience. The region's climate climate change, soil degradation, and water supply variability significantly impact wheat production, requiring innovative and integrated solutions to minimize yield gaps and improve sustainability.
Strengthening Egypt's Cereal Sector: Policies for Food Security and Sustainable Development
(Brief) Dhehibi, Boubaker; Salem, Shaban Ali; Abda-Allah Abdallah, Iman; Souissi, Asma; Baum, Michael
Cereals are fundamental to Egypt's diet and economy, serving as dietary staples, key agricultural products, and essential trade commodities. Wheat and rice, particularly wheat, are vital to Egyptian diets, with subsidized baladi bread being a cornerstone of food security for most of the population. Cereals contribute significantly to daily caloric intake, providing an affordable food source crucial for social stability. They occupy nearly 46% of Egypt’s cropped area, including wheat, maize, sorghum, barley and rice, while supporting millions of smallholder farmers and workers in the cereal sector. However, Egypt faces challenges in cereal production due to limited arable land, water scarcity, climate change impacts, and soil degradation, with salt affected areas accounting for 25-30% of older agricultural lands. Additionally, reliance on traditional practices, insufficient agricultural extension services, and the high cost of modern technologies hinder productivity. Despite domestic efforts, Egypt remains heavily dependent on cereal imports, especially wheat and yellow corn, making the economy vulnerable to global price shocks and emphasizing the need for policies that enhance local production, food security, and economic development.
Current Status and Overview of Farm Mechanization in Sudan
(Internal Document) Devkota Wasti, Mina; Ahmed, ElRashid; Devkota, Krishna
The agricultural sector forms the backbone of Sudanese life and is a key driver of the national economy. In 2021, it provided employment and supported the livelihoods of 67% of the population, contributing 26% to the GDP and 30% to export earnings. Since Sudan's independence in 1956, the country’s agricultural policy has prioritized increasing crop production by adopting high-yielding varieties and improving crop management practices, including farm mechanization in both irrigated and rainfed systems. This policy received support from international organizations like the World Bank, aimed at securing food for the growing population. In 1964, the Sudanese government sought financial assistance for land clearance and the establishment of mechanized farms. By the early 1970s, large-scale agricultural schemes emphasizing mechanization were implemented. The establishment of the Mechanized Farming Corporation (MFC) encouraged both private and government entities to adopt mechanized farming, especially in Gedarif state, which became a hub for mechanized rainfed farming and a significant contributor to national food production. Sudan was ranked as one of the top countries in Africa with 24800 tractors of various sizes in 2008. The average number of tractors between 2009-2013 was 31770 and was further raised to 47686 tractors in 2019. As a result, the total land area served by a single 85- horsepower (hp) tractor decreased from 892 ha in 2014 to 602 ha in 2019. In addition, the number of seed drills and seeders nearly doubled between 2015 and 2019 mainly due to the expansion of area under grain crop cultivation, particularly wheat.

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