The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS Cairo Office, in the presence of Dr. Martino Melli – Head of Office, proudly participated in the closing ceremony of the “Improve the Value Chain of Siwa Palm Date Production for Branding” project, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable livelihoods and promoting inclusive development in the heart of the Egyptian desert “Siwa Oasis”.
Implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agro-Industries Technology Centre of the Egyptian Ministry of Industry, and Siwa Community Development and Environmental Conservation Association. The project marked a significant step forward in revitalising the palm date sector – a cornerstone of Siwa’s cultural and economic identity.
The project focused on strengthening the date value chain in Siwa Oasis, renewing the commitment to local rural communities, through direct engagement with local farmers and processors, to boost productivity, enhance product quality, ensuring appropriate hygiene and foster a unique market identity for Siwa dates, renowned for their distinctive characteristics.
Through the rehabilitation of approximately 300 hectares, the active engagement of 1,500 farmers, and training 220 workers in processing facilities (75% of whom were women), the project significantly improved agricultural practices and industrial processing methods. It also provided technical assistance, small machinery, and agricultural tools. Additionally, to ensure long-term impact and sustainability, the project worked on revolving fund mechanism to sustain access to agricultural inputs and tools beyond the project’s duration.
By capitalising on Siwa’s unique agricultural heritage and natural resources, the project reflects AICS Cairo’s commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive development in Egypt’s rural areas. It demonstrates how tailored, community-driven interventions can promote economic resilience, women empowerment, and enhance social cohesion within vulnerable communities.
