Smallholder farmers in Egypt have been slow to transition from low-margin traditional crops to premium horticulture production, despite growing demand for fresh produce. Barriers range from fragmented supply chains and unfavorable financing to inefficient transport and logistics. Without a guaranteed buyer and necessary technical support, farmers are hesitant to risk growing an untested crop. 

Feed the Future Egypt Rural Agribusiness Strengthening Project is a five-year USAID-funded activity (2018-2023), supported by the U.S. government’s Feed the Future initiative. The project aims to improve the competitiveness of Egypt’s horticulture producers and related downstream businesses and food processors. The project promotes a more competitive and inclusive Egyptian economy through growth in selected horticultural sectors with a special focus on securing employment and increasing agriculture-related incomes of smallholder farmers.

The implementing partner of this project, ABT associates supports the development of an inclusive horticulture market system in Upper Egypt that integrates smallholder farmers into high-end local and international markets using a buyer-led approach. Abt helps buyers connect with smallholder farmer suppliers who are part of producer organizations and supports farmers’ efforts to meet requirements for quality, quantity and timeliness. 

Additionally, the activity is assisting Egyptian agribusinesses in modernizing their food technology and delivery systems by upgrading processing facilities, refrigeration trucks, and water-efficient irrigation systems. This activity builds on USAID’s previous investments in Egypt’s agricultural sector, including in irrigation infrastructure, the establishment of agricultural associations, and training programs to help farmers transition from traditional staple crops to high-value horticulture.  

By the end of five years, the project will:

• Increase average incomes for 120,000 small farmers.
• Double the incomes of a minimum of 25,000 small farmers.
• Create 12,000 sustainable jobs in agri-businesses.
• Improve agricultural water-use efficiency over 22,000 hectares.
• Leverage $10 million dollars through partnerships with Egyptian firms and agricultural organizations.

Sources:

ABT Associates. (2020). Feed the Future Egypt Rural Agribusiness Strengthening Project. https://www.abtassociates.com/projects/feed-the-future-egypt-rural-agribusiness-strengthening-project

Agrilinks. (2018). Feed the Future Egypt Rural Agribusiness Strengthening Project. https://agrilinks.org/feed-future-egypt-rural-agribusiness-strengthening-project

USAID. (2018). Feed The Future Egypt Rural Agribusiness Strengthening | Egypt | U.S. https://www.usaid.gov/egypt/agriculture-and-food-security/feed-future-egypt-rural-agribusiness-strengthening