Thematic areas
As articulated by FAO and GFRAS, Rural Advisory Services (RAS) encompass “the different activities that provide the information and services needed and demanded by farmers and other actors in rural settings to assist them in developing their own technical, organisational, and management skills and practices so as to improve their livelihoods and well-being” (Christoplos, 2010).
The thematic focus of AFRAS reflects the pressing needs for contemporary, innovative, inclusive, gender-responsive, pluralistic, market-oriented and demand driven extension and RAS systems that contribute to inclusive rural transformation. These efforts align with the evolving context of agriculture, rural development and climate change in the region, and the impetus for inclusive rural transformation. AFRAS is committed to advancing extension and RAS systems that are not only responsive to current challenges but also well-positioned for future scenarios in the agricultural sector.
Climate change adaptation, mitigation and natural resource management
The challenges posed by water scarcity, climate change and land degradation in the NENA region, prompt extension and RAS providers to address critical topics of climate change adaption and mitigation. These span agroforestry and desert farming practices, climate-resilient agricultural techniques, sustainable management of natural resources, water conservation, ecosystem protection, preservation of indigenous farming practices and species, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices within the context of water-energy-food-nexus.
Sustainable intensification and productivity
To meet the increasing demands of the growing population in the NENA region, ensuring enhanced productivity and efficiency is imperative. Given the fragility of the natural resource base and the region’s vulnerability to climate change, it is essential to develop productive agriculture systems that not only meet food requirements but also conserve and enhance natural resources while respecting ecosystems. In this context, RAS play a key role in promoting integrated management of land, water and living resources that foster conservation and sustainable use in an equitable manner.
Market-oriented services and agripreneurship
With the increasing challenges of land fragmentation, weak organization, and diminishing rural infrastructure and services, small scale farmers struggle with issues of low productivity, high production cost, low prices for their produce, and limited access to markets. To empower farmers with organizational and business management skills and facilitate their integration into markets and value chains, it is crucial to secure access to market-oriented advisory services. These services cover critical aspects of price information, agribusiness advice, finance, postharvest practices, technologies and mechanization, responsible food trade, measures to reduce food loss and waste, phytosanitary systems, and food safety. Providing this wide range of services is essential for enhancing farmers’ income and improving their livelihoods.
Inclusivity, youth inclusion and gender equality
Inclusivity in RAS entails that all farmers, regardless of their social, political, and economic status and identities, can access and benefit from the advisory services they need to enhance their farm-based livelihood. It also entails that RAS be responsive to the gender and age specific needs and challenges of farmers, as well as those of extremely poor farmers, refugees, displaced people, returnees and people with disabilities. This is particularly important in the NENA region, noting its youthful population and the prevalence of small-scale farmers. Despite their extensive participation in the agricultural sector, small scale farmers are disproportionately affected by poverty, constituting about 70 percent of the poor living in the Region.
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Collective action and farmer organization
Producer organizations (POs) and cooperatives play a key role in facilitating farmers’ access to services, amplifying their voice, and articulating demands. Often playing a dual role of both service providers and service clients, these organizations are instrumental in mediating with market actors and other service providers, contributing to improved services in their communities. Yet, the full potential of collective action in the region remains largely untapped. To overcome legislative and capacity barriers, support is needed in upgrading the laws and regulations governing cooperatives, enhancing their technical, managerial and business capacity, and restoring their image as crucial actors in service provision and market access for small scale farmers.
RAS governance and multi-stakeholder collaboration
Customarily, extension services in Arab countries are predominately offered by the public sector. Yet, the reduction in public extension workforce and financing has translated in diminishing outreach and support, particularly for small-scale farmers. Concurrently, a plurality of actors in the NENA Region is engaged in RAS provision, extending beyond public agencies to include the private sector, producer organizations and civil society. This diversity suggests promising opportunities for public-private partnerships to improve RAS provision. Effective coordination among these various actors is crucial to leverage complementarities and enhance outreach, while also ensuring the appropriate level of accountability. There is also a need for more coherent and inclusive policies on RAS and rural development in general to avoid policy fragmentation and to promote more sustainable investments and intervention in RAS. Creating an enabling environment for collaboration and ensuring alignment with broader rural development goals will contribute to the overall effectiveness of extension services in the NENA Region.
Innovation, ICT and digital technologies
Innovation, technology, and data play a pivotal role in accelerating the contribution of RAS to rural transformation. Contemporary RAS systems keep abreast with the latest developments in agriculture, benefiting from close collaboration with research institutions and other actors in the agricultural innovation system. Advancements in ICT and digital technologies offer vast opportunities for knowledge and information sharing. Moreover, digital applications in agriculture, such as satellite and drone imagery, agronomy software for farm management, pest management, water saturation analysis, crop performance monitoring, weather observation for crop insurances, are integral components of modern RAS. Integration of cutting-edge technologies enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of advisory services, facilitating wider access and more informed and sustainable agricultural practices.