Heliopolis University organized climate-smart BMPs training session in wider areas in Egypt.

The WATDEV project successfully concluded its regional training sessions on the Best Management Practices (BMPs) and innovations with a two-day event held on 29–30 March 2026 at SEKEM Farm in Belbies, Egypt. Following successful trainings in Ethiopia and Kenya, this final training marked an important step in expanding the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices beyond the project’s initial study areas.

The training was organized by Heliopolis University, partner of the WATDEV project, in collaboration with CIHEAM Bari, ASARECA and held in the presence of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS Cairo. It aimed to raise awareness about the risks of unsustainable agricultural practices while promoting practical, climate-smart solutions to improve soil health and water use efficiency.

Approximately 50 participants, including farmers, local stakeholders, and technical experts, took part in the training, fostering knowledge exchange on sustainable agricultural water management and promote the adoption of climate-smart practices tailored to local conditions. By engaging farmers from outside the project pilot areas, the training supported the knowledge transfer and scaling up the adoption of BMPs across new communities.

The training started with welcoming remarks by Dr. Wael Khairy, who encouraged active engagement, especially from new farmers, to maximize learning and share valuable feedback. Followed by Dr. Gaetano Ladisa, WATDEV Project Manager at CIHEAM-Bari, who emphasised that WATDEV represents “a partnership for change and development”, stressing the importance of peer-to-peer knowledge exchange among farmers to enhance trust and adaptability of innovation.

Contributions from Mr. Sylvester Baguma and Mr. Moses Odeke, from ASARECA underscored the role of innovation and collaboration in transforming food systems and building climate-resilient communities. Concluding the opening session, Ms. Concetta Bianco, from AICS Cairo highlighted the importance of adapting BMPs to local contexts, to ensure effective implementation.  

The first day of the training introduced participants to WATDEV’s objectives and approaches, while facilitating interactive discussions on the environmental impacts of current agricultural practices on water, soil, and crops. A key focus was on translating BMP protocols into practical, actionable knowledge, supported by success stories shared by experienced farmers who had participated in earlier WATDEV activities.

The selected BMPs addressed key challenges faced by farmers in Egypt, particularly in soil and water management. These included composting to improve soil fertility, efficient irrigation and intercropping trees with annual crops such as vegetables.

The second day emphasized hands-on experiential learning, through a field visit to a citrus farm, where intercropping practices were demonstrated, showing how vegetables can be cultivated between tree rows to optimize land use and increase income. Demonstrations also showcased advanced soil and water management techniques, including the use of drip irrigation systems to deliver both organic and inorganic nutrients. These sessions provided participants with direct exposure to BMP implementation and practical tools.

Throughout the training, participants actively assessed the feasibility of applying BMPs within their own contexts, identifying both opportunities, such as improved resource efficiency and income generation, and challenges, including limited access to inputs, technical knowledge gaps, and financial constraints. By the end of the training, farmers expressed strong commitment and motivation to adopt and apply the BMPs in their farming systems.

The Egypt training represents a milestone in WATDEV’s regional dissemination efforts, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining training, peer learning, and field-based demonstrations to promote climate-smart agriculture.

Funded by the European Union under the DeSIRA (Development-Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture) Initiative, WATDEV continues to strengthen local capacities, promote sustainable water management, and support resilient agricultural systems across Africa.

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