Giza, Egypt – The hands-on training program titled "Strengthening High-Yield Climate Resilient Rice Production," held from October 7-9, 2024, at the Agricultural Research Center - Egypt (ARC) in Giza, has reinforced Egypt’s pivotal role as a hub for knowledge sharing among African Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) Member States. Representing the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) was Program Manager Dr. Shakhlo Atabaeva, attending at the instruction of H.E. Amb. Berik Aryn, the Director General.
In his remarks, Dr. Adel AbdulAzeim, President of ARC, emphasized the vital support provided by the IOFS in facilitating these collaborative initiatives, underscoring the importance of joint efforts to enhance agricultural resilience and productivity across the region.
Dr. AbdulAzeim emphasized the need for a unified campaign to enhance inter-OIC trade and agricultural productivity, particularly focusing on rice production. He stated, "Collective action is essential in addressing the pressing challenges of food security and climate change. Together, we can build a resilient agricultural sector that meets the needs of our populations."
The initiative aims to enhance rice production capacities through sustainable practices, advanced technologies, and strengthened trade linkages. Representatives from Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, Iraq, and Pakistan attended the program, showcasing the growing need for cooperation among OIC Member States to share resources, knowledge, and innovative technologies.
The program featured expert-led sessions, including a comprehensive overview of high-yield climate-resilient rice production presented by Dr. H.F. El-Mowafi. Discussions on resilience to climate change and sustainable practices were led by Dr. B. Zayed, Dr. M.H. Ammar, and Dr. R.M. Abdallah, all of whom underscored the importance of collaboration and trade expansion within the African and broader OIC framework.
As the world faces increasing challenges related to climate change and food security, this initiative serves as a vital step towards fostering cooperation and developing innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture in the OIC region.
