Egypt: New Initiative to Benefit 5,000 Plus Fish Producers

By Gift Briton

Over 5,000 fish producers and other fish value chain actors in Egypt are set to benefit from a new initiative between WorldFish and the Norwegian Government that is aimed at increasing their productivity and incomes.

The four-year initiative aspires to refine, test and scale innovative renewable energy solutions for the aquaculture sector in Egypt.

Commenting on the impact of the program, theAmbassador of Norway to Egypt- Hilde Klemetsdalsaid: “The project will lead to a reduction in food waste and loss and promote the transformation to more energy-efficient and climate-smart food value chains.”

He continued: “The project is a prime example of an initiative that aligns with Norway’s development cooperation priorities. I am very pleased to see so many important and timely elements, including food security, climate adaptation and gender equality addressed in one program.”

To maximize the impacts, WorldFish will work closely with a diverse range of national and international partners, including research institutions, public universities and the private sector.

Sustainable development of aquatic food systems holds immense potential in addressing global food security challenges, WorldFish Director General -Dr. Essam Mohammed stated, adding that partnership will put aquaculture on a low-emission development pathway for healthier people and planet.

Aquatic resources including animals, plants and microorganisms cultivated and harvested from water bodies, plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of more than 600 million people in developing nations who rely on aquatic foods.

WorldFish Country Director for Egypt -Dr. Ahmed Nasr-Allah pointed out that the initiative is expected to catalyze the emergence of a cadre of Egyptians who can effectively tackle some of the most critical and complex development challenges in Egypt and Africa using an evidence-based approach.

The official signing of the agreement at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo was witnessed by Arild Øksnevad-Counselor and Head of Development and Business Cooperation, Eithar Soliman- Development Cooperation Advisor at the Embassy of Norway in Cairo, Sameh Ahmed- Finance Manager, and Menna Mosbah, the Gender Expert and Communications Representative for WorldFish in Egypt.