2nd Meeting of the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS)

Rural Advisory Services (RAS) play a pivotal role in driving rural transformation—the broad and systemic process aimed at improving rural livelihoods through enhanced and sustainable productivity, increased commercialization and market integration, diversified income sources, improved access to services and decent employment opportunities, and more inclusive participation in policy and decision-making.

Across the Arab region, rural communities stand at a critical juncture of profound transformation. Agriculture and agrifood systems are under mounting pressure—from climate variability, water scarcity and land degradation, to high unemployment, shifting market demands, and protracted crises. These pressures underscore the need for inclusive, transformative, and sustainable responses. Such responses must go beyond technical solutions to include effective systems for knowledge exchange, participatory learning, and facilitative support that empower farmers and rural communities to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

RAS providers—spanning public extension services, private advisors, NGOs, cooperatives, and producer organizations—are uniquely positioned to catalyze transformative change. They empower family farmers, women, and youth with the knowledge, tools, and skills to innovate, adapt, and prosper. RAS systems promote sustainable agricultural practices for increasing productivity and profitability; facilitate market access and promote “farming as a business”; leverage science, technology, and innovation through locally adapted solutions; support recovery and resilience in times of crisis; and strengthen collective action through cooperatives and producer organizations. Together, these functions make RAS systems indispensable for inclusive and sustainable transformation.

Since its launch in February 2024, the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS) has worked to mobilize collective expertise and foster policy dialogue and collaboration among RAS stakeholders across the Arab region. AFRAS promotes inclusive, demand-driven, and innovative advisory approaches that empower family farmers, women and youth as agents of change. Through its growing community and regional platform, AFRAS facilitates knowledge exchange, networking, advocacy and strategic partnerships to leverage RAS systems as a catalyst for inclusive rural and agrifood systems transformation.

The inaugural AFRAS meeting, held in Amman in July 2024, was a milestone—bringing together national focal points, public and private sector actors, civil society organizations, research and education institutions, and development partners to co-create a shared vision and joint action plan for advancing rural advisory services in the region.

Building on this momentum, the second AFRAS meeting marks a new chapter—one focused on deepening collaboration, shaping the Forum’s working modalities, and translating the shared vision into tangible outcomes. The meeting underscores the transformative role of RAS in driving rural and agrifood systems transformation, while providing a space for stakeholders to share experiences, define strategic priorities, and mobilize collective efforts to build more inclusive, responsive, and impactful extension and advisory systems across the region.

Objectives

The meeting aims to:

• Validate the AFRAS charter and establish a shared governance framework.
• Highlight the strategic role of RAS in rural and agrifood systems transformation.
• Facilitate exchange of experiences and innovations from across the region.
• Promote evidence-based practices through thematic poster sessions.
• Engage resource partners in an Investment Dialogue to mobilize support for RAS.

Key Messages

• Rural Advisory Services are a catalyst for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable rural transformation.
• Empowering family farmers, women, and youth drives innovation, market access, and stronger communities.
• Strategic investment in RAS strengthens food systems, climate resilience, and economic opportunities.
• Collaboration across sectors is essential to deliver lasting impact.

Format

Hybrid event — In-person sessions in Cairo & online participation via Zoom.
Languages: Simultaneous interpretation in Arabic, English, and French.

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