Arab Organization for Agricultural Development Launches National Capacity-Building Program in Sudan

Khartoum – Sudanhorizon

Sudan’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Professor Ismat Qurashi, Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, Professor Ahmed El-Tigani Al-Mansouri, and the Director General of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, Professor Ibrahim Al-Dukhairi, on Thursday launched the National Capacity-Building Program for Sudan’s Agricultural Sector at the organization’s headquarters in Khartoum. The event was attended by government officials, experts, and stakeholders from the agricultural sector.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Minister Qurashi said the “Government of Hope” had made significant efforts to rehabilitate the headquarters of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development in Khartoum and had provided substantial support that enabled the organization to resume operations from the Sudanese capital. He said this reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Arab and regional institutions supporting agricultural development.

Qurashi described the capacity-building program as a key pillar for achieving sustainable agricultural development, noting that it aims to enhance the skills and expertise of personnel working in the agricultural sector to keep pace with modern developments. He added that the initiative forms part of a broader package of joint projects between the ministry and the organization.

These projects include developing agricultural value chains, increasing productivity, improving farmers’ incomes, expanding agricultural exports, opening new markets for Sudanese products, implementing digital transformation programs in agriculture, localizing seed production, and launching additional initiatives aimed at modernizing the sector and improving its productivity, thereby strengthening food security and supporting the national economy.

The minister also highlighted the strategic partnership between the ministry and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development in the fields of capacity building, technology transfer, research, and training. He expressed appreciation for the organization’s role in supporting Sudan, particularly during the country’s reconstruction phase and efforts to rehabilitate the agricultural sector after extensive damage to infrastructure.

For his part, Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries Professor Ahmed El-Tigani Al-Mansouri said that capacity building and training are the true foundations of national progress and institutional development, stressing that investing in people is the primary pathway to achieving sustainable development.

Al-Mansouri explained that his ministry has implemented two national projects focused on training and capacity building. The first is a program that has trained around 2,800 productive families through online learning platforms and WhatsApp, equipping them with skills to improve production and increase household incomes. The second is the “Advanced Knowledge Circles” initiative, implemented through clubs and schools to promote knowledge and develop practical skills. He called on the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development to expand cooperation and partnerships in support of these initiatives.

Meanwhile, AOAD Director General Professor Ibrahim Al-Dukhairi expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government of Sudan for its support in facilitating the organization’s return to its headquarters in Khartoum. He said resuming operations from Sudan marks an important milestone in the organization’s journey and strengthens its role in serving Arab countries.

Al-Dukhairi explained that the capacity-building program is designed to train and qualify professionals working in the agricultural sector. He noted that the program extends beyond technical training to include strategic planning, governance, management, institutional leadership, and project management, with the goal of improving the efficiency and performance of agricultural institutions.

He also called on Sudanese professionals and experts, both inside the country and abroad, to contribute to reconstruction and development efforts. He expressed confidence that the coming period would witness a strong revival of the organization’s programs and projects in partnership with Sudanese state institutions, supporting food security, increasing agricultural production, and reinforcing Sudan’s position as one of the Arab world’s most promising agricultural nations.

The National Capacity-Building Program is regarded as one of the country’s most significant initiatives aimed at developing human resources and strengthening agricultural institutions to meet future challenges, enhance productivity, and help Sudan regain its leading role in agricultural production and sustainable development.

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