A mission from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has discussed with local officials in Egypt’s Matrouh governorate ways to expand agricultural development projects, focusing on rainwater harvesting and support for small-scale initiatives in desert areas.
The talks, held with Matrouh Governor Mohamed El Zamalout, also highlighted efforts to improve living standards in remote communities and strengthen cooperation with research centres, officials said.
Mahmoud El Amir, director of the Matrouh Sustainable Development Center, said the mission concluded a visit from April 19 to 25 aimed at supporting government plans to develop desert areas and make better use of natural resources.
"The delegation, headed by Fureij Jigan, reviewed activities under the “PRIDE” project across communities stretching from Dabaa to Saloum and Siwa," he said.
The visit included inspections of field operations as well as mobile medical and veterinary clinics serving remote areas.
As part of the programme, a 1,000-acre pastoral reserve association was inaugurated in Negila, equipped with wells and reservoirs designed to harvest around 2,400 cubic metres of rainwater to support livestock and protect vegetation.
Rangeland management consultant Abdel Hamid Esrafil said the initiative aims to preserve open grazing areas and ensure the sustainable use of pastoral resources.
The IFAD-backed activities form part of broader efforts to enhance resilience in Egypt’s desert areas through improved water management and community-based development projects.
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