Skip to main content Go to footer
Follow us on
Search

EU-ZIRA3A

Reading time:

1 min

The EU-ZIRA3A is a European Union funded program supporting sustainable rural development and agricultural modernization in Egypt, with a particular focus on the governorates of Sohag, Assiut, and Beni Suef.

The programme works with national and local authorities, agricultural institutions, cooperatives, farmers, women, youth, and rural communities to improve agricultural productivity, climate resilience, water management, extension services, veterinary services, market access, and vocational training opportunities.

The programme also strengthens institutional capacities within the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and related agencies, including plant quarantine and agricultural quality control services. Through infrastructure investments, training, technical assistance, innovation, and community-based interventions, EU-ZIRA3A aims to promote sustainable economic opportunities, enhance food security, improve natural resource management, and contribute to inclusive rural development in Upper Egypt.

The project is funded with the financial support of the European Union. The contents of this page are the sole responsibility of the implementing partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

General Overview

– Project duration: 66 Months, November 2022 until April 2028

– Geographical coverage: Egypt/ Governorates, Sohag, Assuit and Beni Suef

– Budget: (Total budget: 27.300.000), 24.000.000 EU and AICS-managed budget 3.300.000

– Funding source: European Union

– Implementing partners:

  • Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR)
  • Agricultural Research Center (ARC)
  • Central Administration of Plant Quarantine (CAPQ)
  • Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MoWRI)
  • National Water Research Center (NWRC)
  • Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)

– Target groups / beneficiaries:

  • Smallholder farmers
  • Agricultural cooperatives
  • Rural women
  • Youth and vocational trainees
  • Agricultural extension workers
  • Veterinary service providers
  • Government officials and technical staff
  • Water User Associations (WUAs)
  • Rural communities in Sohag, Assiut, and Beni Suef

Overall objective: To contribute to sustainable and inclusive rural development in Upper Egypt through improved agricultural productivity, climate resilience, water management, institutional capacity, and economic opportunities for rural populations.

Specific objectives:

SO1: Strengthen central Egyptian authorities and their local representations in Sohag, Assiut, and Beni Suef to support sustainable rural development and improved agricultural governance.

SO2: Reinforce the capacities of rural populations through increased agricultural economic opportunities, enhanced training and education services, and improved access to agricultural and veterinary support systems.

Component 1: Institutional Capacity Building and Agricultural Governance

  • Capacity building for government officials.
  • Digital archiving and data management systems.
  • Plant quarantine modernization.
  • Inspection, certification, and traceability systems.
  • Agricultural policy support and evidence-based decision making.

Component 2: Climate-Smart Agriculture and Extension Services

  • Farmer Field Schools (FFSs).
  • Demonstration plots.
  • Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs).
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).
  • Digital agricultural extension platforms and mobile applications.
  • Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes.

Component 3: Irrigation, Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management

  • Rehabilitation of canals and mesqas.
  • Water User Association strengthening.
  • Modern irrigation systems.
  • Solar-powered irrigation solutions.
  • Climate adaptation and mitigation activities.

Component 4: Rural Livelihoods, Cooperatives and Skills Development

  • Cooperative strengthening.
  • Agricultural value chain development.
  • Agricultural waste management.
  • SME and rural women empowerment.
  • Veterinary service improvement.
  • Technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
  • Farmer training and community development initiatives.

Result 1

Strengthened institutional capacity of agricultural authorities and technical agencies through digitalization, improved plant quarantine systems, training programmes, and upgraded laboratory and inspection facilities.

Result 2

Improved agricultural productivity through:

  • 75 Farmer Field Schools.
  • 75 demonstration fields.
  • Training of approximately 660 extension personnel.
  • Support to at least 2,000 farmers.

Result 3

Enhanced rural livelihoods through:

  • Rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure.
  • Registration and strengthening of 60 Water User Associations.
  • Rehabilitation of 16 agricultural cooperatives.
  • Improved veterinary services through 24 veterinary units and 60 veterinary convoys.

Media Highlights

AICS Project focal point: Nicola De Mastro
Position: Team Leader
Email: nicola.demastro@aics.gov.it

Last update: 14/06/2026, 17:19