CAIRO, July 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM
Under framework of the project titled “Enhancing integrated governance to improve performance of the Egyptian plant quarantine system and pesticides monitoring as well as developing and adopting a digital archiving system” (EIGS) funded by EU-ZIRA3A and implemented by Cairo Center for Developing Benchmarking (CDB), comprehensive trainings were successfully delivered by School of Continuing Education at the American University in Cairo (AUC) to official staff of Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR) from Foreign Agricultural Relations (FAR) in Cairo and Agriculture Directorates of Sohag, Assiut, and Beni Suef.
The capacity-building program included four specialized workshops delivered over five weeks, targeting 80 MALR employees
Workshop 1: Advanced Data Analysis for Project Development: Enhancing Data-driven Decision Making
The first workshop focused on strengthening data analysis competencies to enhance evidence-based project design. Professionals from the Foreign Agricultural Relations Department participated in this two-day course, where they refined their ability to structure, process, and analyze data using advanced techniques.
“This workshop opened my eyes to how data can directly shape impactful projects,”
Workshop 2: Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks – Designing Effective Evaluation Strategies
The second two-day workshop introduced the fundamentals of designing effective Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems. Attendees learned how to define clear objectives, create performance indicators, and draft comprehensive evaluation reports.
“I now feel confident aligning evaluation strategies with our project goals,”
Workshop 3: Data Collection, Handling, and Analysis
This 12-hour training provided essential tools for managing data ethically and efficiently. Participants explored both qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection tools, and ethical considerations.
“What we gained is better understanding of how to manage and interpret data,”
Workshop 4: Understanding Proposal Writing & Creating a Productive Workplace
organized on July 7–8, this session engaged 23 MALR employees in practical skill-building exercises. Through role-plays, real-life scenarios, and interactive discussions, participants strengthened their abilities in communication, negotiation, writing compelling proposals, and collaborative work.
“The skills we gained are immediately applicable in our daily responsibilities,”
Final Training Courses and Closing Ceremony
The capacity building workshops aimed to building participants’ proficiency in collecting and analyzing data, designing research tools (surveys, interview guides), and creating actionable M&E frameworks. These sessions were integral to empowering MALR staff to monitor and evaluate rural development programs effectively and support better project outcomes.
The closing ceremony was attended by key representatives, including:
- Dr. Saad Moussa, Supervisor of Foreign Agricultural Relations (FAR), MALR
- Dr. Eslam El Fadly, Programme Officer, EU-ZIRA3A
- Ms. Noha Salem, Associate Director, School of Continuing Education at AUC
- Dr. Maha Ismail, Executive Director, CDB
