The Egyptian Countryside Development Company (ECDC) has signed a joint cooperation protocol with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) at the company’s headquarters in Cairo, marking a new step in efforts to support Egypt’s 1.5 Million Feddans national project.
The agreement seeks to foster collaboration and exchange expertise in key areas, including water and land management and livestock production, with the goal of establishing a scientific partnership to advance sustainable agricultural development in newly reclaimed desert areas.
Under the protocol, both parties will work together to develop cost-effective desalination methods for highly saline irrigation water and to supply salt-tolerant seedlings and seeds suitable for cultivation under arid conditions. The cooperation also includes initiatives to enhance sheep and livestock breeding, and to develop affordable organic fertilizer alternatives for farmers.
Amr Abdel Wahab, Chairperson and Managing Director of ECDC, stated that the agreement with ACSAD comes within the framework of the company’s efforts to advance the 1.5 Million Feddans project, launched under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
He explained that ECDC is committed to supporting farmers and land beneficiaries by enhancing agricultural productivity and quality through partnerships with specialised scientific and research institutions. “The success of the national project depends on strong partnerships with reputable organisations that bring valuable expertise—such as ACSAD—in the management of arid lands and water resources,” Abdel Wahab said.
He added that the protocol would contribute to strengthening farmers’ technical and scientific capacities, introducing modern agricultural technologies and practices, and providing practical solutions to challenges related to water scarcity and land efficiency in desert environments.
Abdel Wahab noted that the 1.5 Million Feddans project relies primarily on desert lands and groundwater, which makes issues such as desertification, drought, and climate change key obstacles to its success. To address these challenges, the company has adopted a science- and technology-based approach to managing natural resources. This includes cooperation with local and international research centres and the establishment of model farms for studying soil, water, and climate adaptation.
Naser Eddin Al Obaid, Director-General of ACSAD, expressed his appreciation for the partnership, describing it as a strategic step toward promoting sustainable agricultural development in Egypt.
He highlighted that the collaboration between ACSAD and ECDC serves as a model of Arab cooperation, enhancing integration between national and regional institutions and reinforcing joint efforts to achieve sustainable development across the Arab region.
