Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services Inaugural Meeting Charts Path to Sustainable Agricultural Transformation
Amman, Jordan – July 31, 2024 – The inaugural meeting of the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS), held in Amman, Jordan from July 29-31, 2024, concluded with a powerful call to action for enhanced collaboration and innovation in rural development across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The landmark event, conducted in a hybrid format, convened experts, policymakers, practitioners, and youth representatives to address the pressing challenges facing rural communities, including climate change, water scarcity, and rising food demand.
Hosted under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma bint Ali, the meeting served as a crucial platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange, emphasizing the pivotal role of effective rural advisory services in achieving sustainable agricultural systems and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Youth Empowerment Takes Center Stage
A significant highlight of the forum was the active participation of the Arab Youth Sustainable Development Network (AYSDN). The network played a vital role in advocating for the inclusion of youth perspectives in agricultural policy development, emphasizing the need for training, mentorship, and active engagement in decision-making processes. AYSDN showcased innovative youth-led projects, contributing to panel discussions and the drafting of the AFRAS action plan.
“Empowering youth is not just an option, it’s a necessity,” stated a representative from AYSDN. “Their innovative ideas and energy are crucial for driving sustainable agricultural transformation in the region.”
Key Outcomes and Recommendations
The three-day event featured a comprehensive agenda, including:
Panel Discussions: Focused on modernizing extension and rural advisory services, with insights from focal points across six countries.
Interactive Workshops: Addressing effective delivery of AFRAS functions, including networking, advocacy, resource mobilization, and capacity development.
Action Plan Development: Collaborative drafting of a two-year operational plan for AFRAS, incorporating youth perspectives.
Field Visits: Organized by the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture, providing participants with firsthand experience of sustainable farming practices and direct engagement with farmers.
Participants emphasized the importance of:
Enhancing education and training for farmers in sustainable agriculture techniques.
Strengthening partnerships between farmers, service providers, and academic institutions.
Supporting innovation and the use of technology in farm management.
Improving market access for rural producers.
Increasing community awareness about sustainable agriculture.
Empowering young people to lead agricultural development.
AFRAS: A Catalyst for Regional Collaboration
The meeting underscored the critical role of AFRAS as a catalyst for regional collaboration, facilitating the exchange of best practices and fostering partnerships among diverse stakeholders. The forum’s action plan aims to guide future initiatives, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders, particularly youth, are heard and valued.
“This inaugural meeting marks a significant step towards building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future for the MENA region,” stated [Insert name of a relevant spokesperson]. “The collaborative spirit and practical recommendations generated here will pave the way for transformative change.”
The AFRAS meeting concluded with a strong commitment to continued collaboration and action. Participants pledged to implement the forum’s action plan and to work together to address the challenges facing rural communities. The emphasis on youth engagement and the integration of innovative practices will be crucial in creating resilient agricultural systems capable of meeting the demands of an evolving landscape.
The Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS) is a regional platform dedicated to enhancing agricultural advisory services across the Middle East and North Africa. It aims to promote sustainable rural development through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.