On February 2-3, 2023, the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) in collaboration with Heliopolis University (HU Egypt) successfully organised “The Best Practices and Innovation Roadshow in Egypt” workshop. The workshop was hosted at Sekem Farm in Belbeis, gathering around 60 participants, including researchers, farmers, and stakeholders, with support from various institutions. The workshop aimed to disseminate the know-how and innovative ideas and technologies acquired during the second module training “Water, Soil, and Crop Management in a Climate-Smart Agriculture”, which took place from September 9th to 20th, 2024 in Bari, Italy.
The workshop started with Prof. Wael Khairy, welcoming all the participants and underlining the critical need for sustainable water and soil management. He emphasised “Water and soil are existential resources—without them, life cannot continue. It has become imperative for us to shit from traditional agricultural practices to sustainable alternatives”. He encouraged farmers to engage actively and assured them that by the end of WATDEV, they would have access to a comprehensive toolbox to guide them in adopting the Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Dr. Sylvester Dickson Baguma, followed, stressing how BMPs can transform farmlands, citing Sekem Farm as a model for sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Gaetano Ladisa, Administrative Lead for CIHEAM Bari, reaffirmed the workshop’s mission to equip farmers with essential knowledge and technologies to promote sustainable practices in agriculture and water management in their local communities.
Dr. Martino Melli, Head of AICS Cairo Office, highlighted the WATDEV initiative’s impact on agricultural development and the necessity of consolidating BMPs into a predictive system to design an effective, practical toolbox to promote sustainable agriculture.
Prof. Dr. Randa Abdel Karim, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Heliopolis University, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving shared sustainability goals.
A presentation followed, introducing the WATDEV main objectives and the three selected BMPs for the case study of Egypt which are composting, intercropping, and water user associations.
Mr. Moses Odeke - ASARECA’s Acting Head of Programmes, presented the agenda of the workshop and encouraged active participation.
During the workshop, the WATDEV team presented three main concepts to enhance agricultural sustainability. The first was the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture, which included the use of sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and soil depth, the deployment of drones for precise spraying treatments, and the implementation of automated greenhouses that adjust based on sunlight levels. The second concept focused on sustainable agriculture and organic farming, emphasizing the benefits of organic agriculture and introducing Spirulina algae, a high-protein algae used in cosmetics, pasta, skin and hair care, supplements, and snacks in Italy. The third concept addressed water management and conservation, presenting L'Acquedotto Pugliese as a model for effective water distribution in Italy's Puglia region and discussing strategies and services for water conservation and efficient distribution.
The workshop featured inspiring case studies and real-world applications of best management practices, demonstrating their positive impact on agriculture. Farmers engaged in participatory evaluation exercises to assess the feasibility and technical needs of these practices.
On the second day, a field visit was organized to allow participants to observe successful applications at Sekem Farm. Participants visited the seedlings and grafting site, where they learned about seedling quality enhancement through the grafting process. They also observed intercropping fields, where multiple crops, including trees, were cultivated on the same land to maximize productivity.
The visit included a stop at the animal husbandry site, where farmers were introduced to different cattle breeds, feeding practices, and dairy production methods. They also explored the Biodynamic Preparations House, where they gained insights into biodynamic farming, compost, and field spray preparations to enrich soil fertility. Another key location was the compost site, where practical guidance was provided on compost production, including ratios, methodologies, and measurements for an effective compost heap.
The workshop concluded with interactive group discussions focusing on the potential application of best management practices in farmers' fields. Participants shared their recommendations, technical needs, and potential collaborations with government agencies and organizations to ensure successful implementation.
After two days of insightful presentations, discussions, and hands-on exercises, this knowledge exchange has significantly increased awareness and capacity, particularly among agricultural landowners and farmers. A huge appreciation goes to all project beneficiaries who are actively adopting and promoting best management practices. Their efforts are a crucial step toward a more sustainable agricultural future.
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