content

Agriculture Cluster Conference

Participants at the Agriculture Cluster conference
© DAAD Cairo
The German Academic Exchange Service’s (DAAD) ‘Clusters of Scientific Innovation in the Middle East and North Africa’ (COSIMENA) brought together a fine line-up of experts in agriculture from Egypt, Germany, and Sudan for the official launch of its new Cluster on Agriculture on 21 and 22 February 2018.

While this isn’t DAAD’s first conference on food production and agriculture in Egypt, this cluster is envisioned as a long-lasting policy and research hub. Its members, each equipped with specific sets of skills that range from pest control, soil enrichment, politics, economics, veterinary medicine to climate change effects on crops and innovative technologies, will be meeting regularly in an attempt to strengthen and streamline Egypt’s food production, and ensure its sustainability.

On the evening of 21 February, Dr. Roman Luckscheiter, Director of the DAAD in Egypt, opened the conference together with Rauia Toama, the German Embassy’s Science Attaché, and Dr. Shireen Assem, Head of Egypt’s Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), which is a part of the Agricultural Research Center (ARC). The opening remarks were followed by an hour-long panel discussion identifying the gaps between research and implementation for better food production and management, moderated by Dr. Clemens Breisinger, Director of the International Food Production Research Institute (IFPRI) in Egypt.

“This Agriculture Cluster is one of COSIMENA’s seven issue-driven clusters that cover water, economy, energy, health, urbanism and cultural heritage,” stated Luckscheiter who pointed out that food systems can become engines of development in both rural and urban settings. Scientific innovation, he added, is a driver for inclusive growth and sustainable development as well as an important tool in reducing inequalities. Toama stressed that climate change, diseases and pests are some of the most urgent challenges to tackle and believes that accrued collaboration between researchers from various disciplines is key to surmounting them. Assem mentioned that countless ARC researchers received their education in Germany and that collaboration with the DAAD has been sustainable and fruitful. ARC scientists work on the adoption of innovative technologies, the development of new crop varieties with improved traits, the establishment of better food processing techniques and the introduction of new crop and animal breeds.

The following panel brought together Dr. Kerstin Dorothee Wydra from University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, Karlheinz Weinfurtner from Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Prof. Hany El Kateb from the Technical University of Munich who advises President Sisi on agricultural matters, Racha Ramadan from Cairo University and Dr. Mohamed Yousri Hashem, Head of Heliopolis University.

They discussed ways to reduce the gap that currently exists between research activities and policy implementation and whether research systematically addresses the pressing needs defined by the government. Since this isn’t always the case, research can be largely ignored by policy makers and its chances of application in the field limited. However, the panellists agreed that research should be a key component of the country’s overall strategy to tackle food production, waste reduction and water conservation while ensuring better crop yields. For this, scientists need to increasingly engage in multidisciplinary research and bring together agronomists, economists, gender and social researchers as well as the private sector, specifically SMEs. The need for additional data and surveys was also noted as well as an evaluation of previous large agricultural projects to ensure the viability of the 1.5 Million Feddan Project spearheaded by President Sisi.

On the following day, experts in water, agriculture, policy, economics, agroforestry and aquaponics all presented their vision on how to ensure the sustainability of Egypt’s food production. Some underlined the merits of soilless agriculture in Egypt, particularly aquaculture; others explained why agroforestry needs to expand alongside desert agriculture. Yet other experts looked into soil fertility improvement and the future of desalinated water for agricultural use.

Overall, they believe in the merits of organising and pooling their skills together within this cluster, not just to identify challenges and hurdles related to food production in Egypt but specifically to come up with efficient solutions to improve the sector through innovation and collaboration.

Report by Ms. Louise Sarant

For more information on the Agriculture Cluster Conference read the detailed report here:

Advertisements by German Universities

1/19

M.A./M.Sc. Human and Artificial Intelligence

Discover our brand-new Master's program for graduates of Philosophy, Psychology, and Computer Science!

More

Food System Sciences (M.Sc.)

Your master’s degree for a better world! Be a part of our international master’s programme at the Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health and apply now!

More

English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at Hof University

Shape your future with our career-focused Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in English, featuring hands-on learning, internships, and strong industry connections!

More

Data, Science and AI (B.Sc./B.A.)

Good in Mathematics? Like working with computers? Want to understand the theoretical foundations of modern information technologies and learn how to use them?

More

Top-ranked International Master & PhD Programs (english-taught) – FOR ...

24 International Master & PhD Programs (english-taught) @ RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau Application Deadline: Apr 30 & Oct 31 More information: https://rptu.de/international/home

More

Food Quality and Safety (M.Sc.)

Your master’s degree for a better world! Be a part of our international master’s programme at the Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health and apply now!

More

International Master program “African Studies” (M.A.)

The Master of African Studies offers students a uniquely interdisciplinary social sciences approach to the study of Africa. The programme critically engages the social, political and cultural dynamics...

More

Get a truly international education!

Are you looking to study at a German university that will launch your international career? Join us at ESB Business School for a top-tier education!

More

Transform tomorrow: Advance your tech skills for a sustainable world

Become a tech expert! Study at TU Ilmenau in the center of Germany: Bachelor and Master programs of Science – designed for real-world impact

More

Your Future in Engineering Begins at Carl Benz School!

Your path to success starts here! Study Mechanical Engineering at Carl Benz School, KIT with English-taught courses & tailored support

More

MBA IBC (Black Forest Business School) – Prepared for Leadership

Upgrade your career with an English-taught MBA degree of Offenburg University! Your gateway to a qualified job in Germany and around the world!

More

Study International Engineering in Germany

100% English-taught BA degree program with simplified admission process. Top university ranking.

More

Study at Germany's first AI university!

We are rethinking university: discover our innovative teaching and learning concept and the AI & Robotics and Human & Artificial Intelligence Master's degree programs!

More

Become a Leader with your MBA European Management

Study your MBA with a focus on Entrepreneurship or Behavioural Management at Saarland University in the heart of Europe. Apply today and accelerate your career!

More

Executive M.Sc. in Energy, Mobility, Production, Product Innovation, F...

Boost your career with an industry-oriented M. Sc. in Renewable Energies, Digital Transformation, Global Production, Innovation, Finance or Mobility. Taught in English in Germany!

More

Be part of the transition to the future shape of energy

Join our English-taught Bachelor of Science in Energy Systems Engineering and Management!

More

Study at Germany´s oldest private business university

Since 1971, EBS Universität educates the leaders of tomorrow. Start your bachelor's or master's studies at EBS now and be empowered to make a difference in the world.

More

Study in Berlin - MBA & International Master’s Programmes

Study management in English. Improve your leadership skills. Gain digital know-how. Become part of an international student body. Benefit from many corporate activities, valuable career consultation a...

More

Hands-on Master’s programs at Hof University Graduate School

Boost your career with our practical M.B.A. and M.Eng. programs, including a one-year industry internship to gain real-world experience!

More

Contact

Screenshot of map with location of DAAD-office marked