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) in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing livestock farming and addressing climate change challenges. 

This collaboration, formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on December 16, 2024, represents a significant step forward in enhancing Egypt’s agricultural resilience.

The project, backed by a €4 million (US$4.2 million) grant from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, focuses on improving productivity within the livestock and agricultural sectors. 

Key components include fortifying animal health systems to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and equipping farmers with tools to adapt to the intensifying impacts of climate change. This initiative underscores Egypt’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and climate action.

Egypt’s agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable to climate change, facing challenges such as heat stress on livestock, reduced crop yields, and increased water scarcity. 

Studies predict that, by 2050, the productivity of major crops like wheat and maize could decline by 15% and 19%, respectively. 

Additionally, livestock are expected to suffer from heat stress, leading to decreased milk and meat production. 

To address these challenges, the initiative will implement several adaptation strategies, including:

– Enhancing Animal Health Systems: Strengthening veterinary services and disease surveillance to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other livestock diseases.

– Climate-Resilient Farming Practices: Introducing livestock breeds and crop varieties that are tolerant to extreme weather events, thereby improving resilience to climate-induced stresses. 

– Water Management Improvements: Implementing efficient irrigation techniques and water conservation methods to mitigate the effects of water scarcity on agriculture. 

– Farmer Training and Support: Providing education and resources to farmers on sustainable practices and climate adaptation measures to enhance productivity and sustainability.

This collaboration aligns with Egypt’s broader climate adaptation strategies, as outlined in its National Climate Change Strategy 2050, which emphasises sustainable economic growth, improved resilience to climate change, and enhanced governance in climate action. 

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s economy, contributing 10% to the national GDP and employing nearly 19% of the labour force. The country’s agricultural exports soared to US$4.1 billion from January to October 2024, marking a 32% increase in the same period in 2023.  

Production of staple crops like sugar beets, sugar cane, and wheat is vital to Egypt’s agricultural landscape, while livestock farming is equally significant. 

Chickens dominate livestock production, followed by rabbits, hares, and cattle. The sector’s total value 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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