In a major push to improve food security and economic stability, Egypt’s Ministries of Planning and Economic Development, Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and the British Embassy in Cairo have launched a new project aimed at supporting small wheat farmers across the country.
The initiative, titled "Enhancing Food Security and Achieving Economic Stability in Egypt by Supporting Small Wheat Farmers," is the first practical project stemming from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last October between Egypt and the United Kingdom to strengthen their cooperation on food security.
The two-year project is designed to improve wheat production in Egypt, a key crop for the country, by increasing agricultural productivity and addressing challenges such as price volatility and climate change. By enhancing soil fertility and promoting more efficient farming practices, the project aims to reduce Egypt’s reliance on wheat imports by 20-25%—a critical step in ensuring long-term food security.
Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized the importance of mobilizing international partnerships to achieve these objectives. “Supporting food security is a priority for the Egyptian government. Through initiatives like this one, we are leveraging technical expertise, creating evidence-based policies, and addressing developmental gaps that hinder progress,” Al-Mashat said. She also highlighted the project’s role in improving human capital by promoting better nutrition, which would contribute to healthier communities and a more productive workforce.
The project also aims to tackle climate change challenges by encouraging sustainable farming practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and improving soil management. By working closely with agricultural suppliers, exporters, and manufacturers, the project will provide small farmers with access to the tools and resources needed to adopt more efficient and environmentally-friendly practices.
Alaa Farouk, Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, stressed that the UK’s expertise in agriculture and sustainable practices will be invaluable in supporting Egypt’s efforts to improve wheat production. “The partnership with the UK will be essential in strengthening our agricultural sector, particularly in areas like soil fertility, fertilizer efficiency, and overall crop productivity,” Farouk said.
Catherine Carr, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Cairo, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration. “The Sustainable Wheat Program is a milestone in UK-Egypt cooperation on food security. By focusing on local wheat production, this project will help reduce Egypt’s wheat import dependency while benefiting both farmers and consumers. It’s a vital step toward ensuring a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future for Egypt,” Carr said.
This new initiative is part of ongoing efforts between Egypt and the UK to tackle global food security challenges. Following the 2023 Global Food Security Summit hosted by the UK, this project reflects both countries’ shared commitment to finding practical, sustainable solutions to global food production challenges.
By enhancing the capabilities of small farmers and promoting innovative, climate-smart agriculture, the project is expected to have a lasting impact on Egypt’s agricultural sector, providing long-term benefits for the economy and the nation’s food security.