Investing in Rural Egypt

This is an overview of IFAD is looking to improve rural Egypt:

• Agriculture is a key sector in the Egyptian economy, providing livelihoods for 57% of the population and directly employing about 26% of the labour force
• The projects aim at improving the incomes and living conditions of small-scale farmers and their communities, and influencing public policy on land tenure and land settlement systems
• Egypt has committed to reducing poverty through sustainable economic growth, income distribution and social development policies. Its main priority is to create more employment opportunities. Its multi-pronged strategy focuses on:
• Economic growth to increase income and job opportunities;
• A more efficient agriculture sector, with an emphasis on improving water and land utilization to enhance yields, income and food security for the poor;
• Human development to raise poor people’s capabilities through education, health care, nutrition and social initiatives;
• Women’s advancement and closing the gender gap;
• Safety net measures for the poor, especially poor women;
• Participatory governance. The Government of Egypt is addressing growing poverty and inequality. Its main goals are to attain higher GDP growth rates, maintain a broad macroeconomic balance and broaden the economy’s capacity to absorb labour.

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