The Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS) is a collaborative network dedicated to advancing extension and rural advisory services across Arab countries. With a clear vision of contributing to rural transformation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AFRAS actively engages in fostering networking, knowledge sharing, and learning among RAS stakeholders from different sectors. AFRAS places a strong emphasis on creating inclusive, gender-responsive, pluralistic, market-oriented, and demand-driven systems, underscoring its commitment to catalyzing positive change and sustainable development in rural communities. Read more >
Blogs
AFRAS
Advancing policies for more effective and innovative extension services: the case of the National Plan for Extension Services (2024-2030) of the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture
by Worood Al Abbadi and Valentina Sommacal - 29/07/2024
In Jordan extension and Rural Advisory Services (RAS) are key to support famers, the majority of whom are smallholders, in addressing their productivity and profitability challenges spanning water scarcity, high costs of production inputs, high cost of labour and lack of market access.
AFRAS
Insights from a memorable day: the official launch of the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS)
by May Hani - 21/07/2024
The 8th of February 2024 is a date to remember for many experts, practionnaires and champions of Rural Advisory Services (RAS) in the Arab Region and beyond. This date marked the official launch of the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS)
Publications
Farmer Field Schools (FFS) for mutual learning and collective action
11/08/2024
The Farmer Field Schools (FFS) approach promotes learning through participatory methods, knowledge and experience exchange, and direct observation through hands-on exercises in the field, discussions and decision-making. It builds on local knowledge while testing and validating scientific concepts developed elsewhere.
Advancing rural advisory services in Arab countries to promote market orientation and inclusive transformation
31/12/2023
The regional study was elaborated by May Hani (FAO Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division), Valentina Sommacal (FAO Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division), Rasheed Sulaiman V (Centre for Research on Innovation and Science Policy – CRISP) and Cécile Berranger (FAO Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division).
AFRAS Foundational Meeting Outcome Note
23/07/2023
FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa in collaboration with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has organized a regional meeting to discuss the vision, mission and roadmap towards the establishment of the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS). The meeting took place in Cairo, Egypt, on 24 and 25 July 2023.
Stories
Albums
Arab Forum Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS) Foundational Meeting
24/07/2023
24-25 July 2024, Cairo - FAO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development are collaborating to establish a rural advisory service in the...
Regional forum on “The future of Farmers' Field Schools” in NENA
28/12/2023
Contact
May Hani
Senior Programme Officer - Lead on rural transformation and inclusive value chains
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa
Cairo - Egypt