Implemented as part of Activity 3 of the WFP Egypt Country Strategic Plan 2023–2028, the AF2 project activities were intended to contribute to two outcomes designed to achieving sustainable food security for the targeted communities via climate adaptation activities: Outcome 1: Enhanced resilience capacities of target rural communities in Southern Egypt in the face of anticipated climate impacts on food through knowledge and technology transfer; and Outcome 2: Climate adaptation institutionalised in government and non-governmental stakeholders’ practices.
Overall, the evaluation concluded that the AF project is highly relevant to the inhabitants of Upper Egypt, particularly through high-impact interventions like climate-smart solar-powered irrigation and land consolidation. These interventions have clearly contributed to a visible change in the lives of farmers (women and men). Beneficiaries reported higher productivity, diversified livelihoods, and climate adaptation, with satisfaction rates exceeding 90% and beneficiaries noting that income increases are supporting expenditures for food, education, health, and household needs. Targeting smallholders ensured integrated support and first-time access to resources for 90% of beneficiaries, reducing structural inequities and fostering inclusion.
The evaluation makes eight recommendations:
- Strengthen institutional sustainability and collective governance of land consolidation and agricultural activities;
- Enhance water governance and water user associations capacity through climate adaptive irrigation solutions;
- Scale and diversify livelihoods interventions;
- Strengthen and sustain community development associations institutional capacity and define the strategic role;
- Promote women’s engagement in non-traditional economic sectors;
- Adopt a phased scaling approach;
- Inclusion of people with disabilities;
- Secure adequate long-term operational and technical support for new complex adaptive solutions.