The UERDP constitutes a USD 20 million development investment financed by Government (almost USD 3.7 million) and IFAD (loan of USD 15 million and grant of USD 1 million). The project is contributing to reducing poverty and improving livelihoods of the rural poor in Qena and Assiut governorates of Upper Egypt. Its investments focus on enhancing access to modern farming technologies and financial services, promoting the creation of employment opportunities, and increasing household incomes. The project was approved by IFAD in December 2006, became effective in September 2007, and was scheduled initially to be completed in September 2015. A comprehensive mid-term review was undertaken by IFAD in May 2012.