Diplomatic briefs
In its determined quest to support the socio-economic livelihoods of rural communities in Egypt, the “Human Security through Inclusive Socio-Economic Development in Upper Egypt” (HAYAT) Project has launched an integrated package of activities aiming at improving the local animal production sector in al-Edwa and Maghagha districts in the governorate of Minya some 240km south of Cairo.
According to HAYAT’s baseline study, around 90 per cent of the residents of al-Edwa and Maghagha use livestock for household consumption, while only 10 per cent of the population in both districts own productive assets for income generation. In addition, 80 per cent ownership of the cattle is controlled by the “wealthier” quartile of local society. These imbalances have created an imperative need for support schemes in favour of the smaller farmers who usually lack access to quality input supplies, good breeds, animal health services, value addition to their raw products and marketing assistance.
To encounter these challenges HAYAT, has cooperated with local NGOs, farmer communities, and local public authorities to start the piloting of small silage production units in an effort to promote high-quality non-traditional animal feeds on village level. These practice-oriented projects will be complemented by the provision of comprehensive veterinary services to farmer groups as well as technical support for the processing of fresh milk into dairy products.
Moreover and in order to exchange knowledge, transfer advanced technology and replicate successful project experiences, HAYAT has organised a special field visit for farmer representatives and community leaders from al-Edwa to the International Livestock Management Training Centre in Sakha, Kafr al-Sheikh in the Northern Delta, Egypt’s leading centre of excellence in animal production.
HAYAT kicked off in June 2013 and is funded by the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security Fund (UNTFHS), the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) and the Government of Japan. The programme is jointly implemented by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Watani International
30 September 2014