Egypt and Syria shine at first-ever Global Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award Ceremony

17 October 2024, Rome, Italy – Farmers from Egypt and Syria have been honored during the first-ever Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award held in FAO’s headquarters in Rome, Italy. The FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa is proud to have two out of three visionary projects it had submitted to be selected –inspiring work that highlights the power of farmer-led solutions.

FAO hosted the Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award Ceremony, a hybrid event part of the Science and Innovation Forum. It celebrated the groundbreaking innovations emerging from farmer field schools around the world. The event put the spotlight was on producers—showcasing their creativity, resilience, and determination—and demonstrating that rural communities are central to shaping the future of sustainable agrifood systems.

One remarkable project came from Egypt, where FAO Egypt, represented by Ahmed Diab, Agribusiness and Program Development Specialist, introduced the Field School for Deaf and Mute Farmers, “The Sound of Silence.” With the laureates Khaled Mohamed, a deaf and mute farmer, and his wife Nehmedo Riad AbdelHamied, who interpreted from sign language to Arabic, they demonstrated how this inclusive model empowers producers who often face barriers. 

 Another award was presented to the farmer Abdullah Tobal—who couldn’t attend in person—and FAO Syria, represented by Nayel Tawfiq AlKawalit, Head of Projects Section, and Alfredo Impiglia, Chief Technical Advisor. They showcased Abdullah’s innovation, born out of necessity: repurposing ammunition boxes into a fodder compressor. This creative solution, transforming symbols of conflict into tools for agricultural regeneration, demonstrated the resilience and ingenuity of local producers in rebuilding their communities. 

The Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award Ceremony celebrated the power of farmer-led innovation and provided a platform to showcase creative solutions to today’s agrifood challenges. The laureates offer a glimpse of a sustainable future, driven by producers who are leading the way.