Extension Services Innovation in the Arab Region
The GFRAS network is expanding to the Arab Region with strong support from local governments, FAO, and IFAD, advancing advisory services. The Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS) held its first annual meeting in Amman, with 17 countries working to enhance service delivery for farmers, boost food security, and promote stability. Previously absent from the global GFRAS network, the Arab Region is now integrating into the global space, aligning international expertise with local needs, contributing to rural transformation and achieving the SDGs.
AFS Newsletter - News by
Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services
LinkedIn | ingrid.oliveira@g-fras.org
With a clear vision of contributing to rural transformation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), July marked the first Annual Meeting of the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS), the newest network of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS). The meeting was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and GFRAS.
Over 70 members of AFRAS community including champions, policy makers and practitioners of extension and rural advisory services from across the Arab region gathered in Amman for a three-day meeting, to exchange knowledge on the status of extension and Rural Advisory Services (RAS) systems across the region from an innovation in policy and practice perspective; and to catalyse engagement of community members in the delivery of AFRAS functions at the regional and the country level.
«AFRAS is a notable example of collective action to advance extension and rural advisory services across the Arab region. It offers a space for champions, policy makers and practitioners of extension and rural advisory services across the region, to meet, discuss, innovate, co-create and contribute making RAS more effective, sustainable and inclusive» said Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO Senior Economist, in his opening statement delivered to the meeting plenary.
«As key partner of AFRAS, IFAD is committed to support the innovative and inclusive approaches that AFRAS champions implement, sharing a vision of creating resilient rural communities through extension and advisory services,» said Mohamed Abdelgadir, IFAD Country Programme Manager for the Near East, North Africa and Europe Division.
RAS play a key role in enabling farmers to cope with both production and marketing challenges, thus contributing to enhancing rural livelihoods and reducing poverty. This entails a wide range of market-oriented services that enable smallholders to increase their productivity, manage their farms sustainably, and make informed decisions to transition towards «farming as a business.» Hence, the strategic importance of regional networking to advocate for and favour the modernization of RAS in the region and their central role in contributing to the broader processes of rural and agrifood system transformation.
HRH Princess Basma Bint Ali, founder of the Royal Botanic Garden and FAO Goodwill Ambassador for the Near East and North Africa, who delivered a keynote address during the meeting, stated, «Rural extension services play a vital role in promoting sustainable development, as they help transfer knowledge and technology to farmers and contribute to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security and raising the standard of living in rural areas.» She added, «The role of women in agriculture and rural development is no less important than that of men. Rural women are the main workers in agriculture, and they are also the ones who support families and communities. Therefore, we must ensure that women are given the opportunities and resources necessary to enable them to perform their role efficiently and effectively.»
«The first annual meeting of AFRAS is indeed a momentous event for the AFRAS community honing several exchanges, networking and learning opportunities. For instance AFRAS Focal Points officially nominated by Ministries of Agriculture across the region will introduce and discuss their respective service systems: a unique opportunity to reflect on common challenges, good practices, and possible collaborations» stated May Hani, FAO Senior Programme Office.
The meeting features a poster exhibition showcasing notable experiences, good practices, and innovative solutions on the theme of the meeting: ‹Innovation in policies and practices for modernising RAS in Arab Countries› presented by members of the AFRAS community affiliated to research organisations, non-government organisations, cooperatives, regional and international organisations.
Under the lead of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) of Jordan, participants also had the opportunity to go for a field visit to Ministry of Agriculture-led projects and women-led NGOs in Jerash Governorate, in Jordan, where they experienced innovative and inclusive rural advisory services in action, and discussed how these experiences could serve and inspire other countries in the region.
GFRAS is delighted to now cover advisory services in the Arab region through AFRAS. This annual meeting follows the publication of a regional study by FAO, in collaboration with GFRAS, titled «Advancing Rural Advisory Services in Arab Countries to Promote Market Orientation and Inclusive Transformation.» The stocktaking of extension services structures in the region, as well as identifying gaps, needs, and opportunities for exchange and collaboration, holds immense potential. This initiative will benefit agriculture, extension, and food security not only in the Arab region but also globally, especially as the Arab world's expertise in adapting to water scarcity and climate change is invaluable. GFRAS is committed to ensuring that projects are developed and implemented within the AFRAS community, bringing this crucial expertise into practice and fostering sustainable agricultural development worldwide.
Further resource:
FAO Study: Advancing rural advisory services in Arab countries