Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the main source of income in Egypt where one third of the population is employed in the agro sector. But many producers are living in the poorest areas of Upper Egypt, or in the desert and the oases, and are marginalized from the principal local and international trade channels.

In some of these areas and in the new lands, the farmers try to cultivate products with a high marketing potential (herbs, spices, aromatic and medicinal plants as well as fruits and vegetables) and suitable for export.They try also to convert the fields to organic agriculture in order to improve their products respecting the environmental conditions and their quality of life as well as that of the consumers. By applying safe practices and organic agro systems it is easier for the agro producers to obtain the required certification and have better access to international markets and foster their trade activities.

COSPE aims to support the economic and social empowerment of the local rural communities, by providing them the skills and capabilities to become actors in the growth of the agro sector. COSPE in Egypt is involved in projects supporting an increase of rural communities' revenues, through improved cultivation, processing and marketing of organic products. By eliminating the usage of chemical inputs and promoting a better management of soil and water, organic agriculture enhances products' quality, agro-ecosystem, health and biodiversity.

COSPE supports the marginalized producers and their families promoting a fair trade approach, to build a better understanding on organic farming practices and more marketing opportunities. This process allows the producers to place their organic products in the Fair Trade marketing channel, that is one further step to be involved in the export process and improve their quality of life.