The Ministry of Irrigation promotes training for sustainable development in Egypt and Africa

National and international training programs to raise institutional efficiency

The report stated that the center carried out 396 training activities inside Egypt, from which 11,051 trainees benefited from employees of the Ministry and its affiliated bodies, a number that reflects the volume of investment in the human element as a major tool for institutional reform. The training was not limited to local programs, but included 6 advanced training programs and two study tours in Italy within the Water Knowledge Project in partnership with the Italian side, where 108 trainees benefited from exposure to international experiences in integrated water resources management.

The Center also organized, in cooperation with UNESCO, two training programs in which 38 trainees from 13 Arab and African countries participated. This openness to international training results in benefits that go beyond the exchange of experiences, to building bridges of cooperation between water institutions in the region, which paves the way for talking about programs aimed at empowering different segments of society.

Empowering youth and farmers through practical training

Within the framework of cooperation protocols with FAO, the Regional Training Center for Water Resources and Irrigation implemented qualitative training programs that benefited 1,079 participants, including 471 farmers and 120 non-working youth and women. These programs focused on developing productive skills and enhancing awareness of sustainable agricultural methods that support food security and contribute to the preservation of natural resources.

Training activities extended to include transformational programs for field categories, where drivers, sailors and supervisors working in sectors related to water and river transport were qualified, thus enhancing their efficiency in safely operating equipment and managing daily activities with high efficiency. These efforts were reflected in raising the level of field performance and achieving operational sustainability at work sites.

The center also received batches of university students as part of summer training programs, where they had the opportunity to apply academic knowledge on the ground by learning about the second generationof the irrigation system 2.0 and artificial intelligence techniques in water management. This combination of theoretical education and practical experience prepares a generation capable of leading innovation and adopting smart solutions in water resources management in the future.

Training on benefiting from the water hyacinth plant

Among the innovations implemented by the center is making use of the water hyacinth plant, as dealing with the water hyacinth plant is a prominent example of how to employ environmental challenges to serve sustainable development. The Regional Training Center for Water Resources and Irrigation launched a series of 16 training activities, including the main headquarters and its branches in Kafr El-Sheikh, Damietta, Damanhour, and Esna. To teach innovative methods to benefit from this aquatic plant that has always been a burden on waterways.

391 women from rural communities participated in these programs, and were trained to produce high-quality handicrafts and craft products that can be marketed locally and regionally. This initiative contributed to reducing the environmental impact of the spread of water hyacinth, and at the same time opened the door to establishing small projects that provide a sustainable source of income and support the role of women in the local economy.

This approach represents an integrated model for linking environmental protection to achieving social and economic gains, and is consistent with African efforts that seek to promote the green economy and combat environmental degradation. This success paves the way for moving to broader initiatives targeting other environmental issues with innovative mechanisms that achieve a double impact on the environment and society.

Broad African cooperation to promote integrated water management

At the continental level, the African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation (PACWA) continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the capabilities of African countries, as 23 training programs were implemented in which 460 trainees from various regions of the continent participated. These programs addressed vital topics such as adaptation to climate change and integrated management of water resources, in line with the objectives of the AWARe initiative adopted by Egypt to strengthen regional partnerships and achieve water security in the face of increasing challenges.

This cooperation highlights a practical model for integrating African efforts in exchanging experiences and transferring technologies. This creates a supportive environment for innovative solutions in water management, and also reflects a strategic awareness that confronting climate challenges requires cross-border cooperation, paving the way for the adoption of digital solutions and modern technologies as an essential part of the water management system.

Integrating technology and artificial intelligence into irrigation systems

In this context, Dr. Hani Sweilem stressed that implementing the second generation of the irrigation system 2.0 requires specialized training on applications of artificial intelligence in water management and mathematical models. For this reason, the Center has developed a training list that defines the job competencies for each target group, with precise mechanisms to measure job performance and ensure its compatibility with institutional goals.

This integration between advanced technologies and human skills represents a qualitative shift in water management methods. It contributes to raising operational efficiency, improving the accuracy of decisions, and shortening the response time to field challenges. Thus, moving towards modern technology becomes a strategic step that paves the way for developing the training structure and adopting international quality standards that ensure continuity of development.

Developing the training structure and adopting international standards

The Center continued its efforts to enhance institutional cooperation, as it concluded 10 cooperation protocols and partnerships with Egyptian and international universities, in addition to civil society organizations. This opens the way for exchanging experiences and developing curricula in accordance with the latest academic standards. It also obtained the ISO9001 quality certificate, an achievement that reflects its commitment to international standards in management and training, in addition to the approval of its courses by the Supreme Council of Universities and the imminent issuance of official accreditation certificates.

This development is supported by the center’s possession of an artificial intelligence laboratory equipped with an educational robot and an educational drone. This provides practical training opportunities on the latest monitoring, analysis and data management techniques. These capabilities represent an essential foundation in preparing a new generation of specialists capable of leading the water sector towards a more efficient and sustainable future, keeping pace with the environmental and climate challenges facing the region.

Hence theThe Earth Guards Foundation confirms that this integrated system of training and capacity building, whether at the local or African level, reflects a qualitative shift in the way Egypt deals with the water and climate issue; The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, the integration of technological solutions, and the involvement of various segments of society establishes a sustainable approach capable of continuing and developing.

These efforts represent a model that can be generalized in Africa, provided that follow-up mechanisms and impact measurement are strengthened to ensure the sustainability of results, the scope of regional and international partnerships is expanded, and continued investment in innovation. The path towards real water security on the continent requires cross-border cooperation, technology transfer, and the adoption of flexible solutions that respond to climate changes, which is what Egypt seeks to achieve.