National Agricultural Guidance Forum Launched By Ministry Of Climate Change To Promote Sustainable Practices In UAE

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has initiated the National Agricultural Guidance Forum. This event aims to support sustainable agricultural transformation, encourage knowledge sharing, and empower farmers with climate-smart innovations. The forum took place alongside the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, emphasised the forum's significance. He stated: "This forum is particularly timely, as the UAE's agriculture sector is undergoing a significant transformation, recognising it as key for both food security and sustainable development." The event underscores the Ministry's dedication to bridging research and practical farming applications.

The forum featured discussions on empowering farmers, women's roles in agricultural guidance, and international organisations' contributions. It highlighted successful case studies in farmer capacity-building. Eng. Slama Khamis Alkaabi moderated a session showcasing success stories where technical, financial, and marketing support turned agricultural challenges into opportunities.

A session titled "Women in Agricultural Extension: Challenges and Opportunities" explored Emirati women's increasing influence in agriculture. Eng. Fatima Mohammed Bin Tarsh and Eng. Fatima Saif Al Kaabi from Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority discussed professional development opportunities for female extension agents. Laila Ahmed Al Dhaheri from MOCCAE moderated this insightful discussion.

Eng. Momin Jilani from FAO presented a lecture on Field Schools Experience in the UAE. This model empowers farmers through participatory learning and hands-on training to enhance their skills effectively. The approach fosters knowledge exchange among farmers while providing practical field training.

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Agriculture

Dr. Waleed Abouel Hassan from FAO highlighted the forum's importance: "The launch of the first National Agricultural Guidance Forum marks a strategic milestone in the UAE’s journey toward sustainable agricultural transformation." FAO supports this transformation by promoting partnerships and advancing programmes that enable smart agricultural practices.

The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 aligns with the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme, inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's vision for expanding green spaces across the UAE. The event includes participation from 22 federal entities, over 40 private companies, more than 20 startups, four national universities, and numerous schools contributing scientific insights.

Key Steps for Effective Agricultural Guidance

The forum concluded with a panel discussion on successful agricultural guidance steps featuring Eng. Jamal Mahmoud Al Naqbi from MOCCAE and Eng. Mohammed Ahmed Al Balooshi from Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. Moderated by Sheikha Al Abdouli from MOCCAE, it covered factors influencing programme effectiveness and best practices supporting farmers.

The forum serves as a strategic platform fostering collaboration between federal entities like MOCCAE and local bodies such as Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. These efforts aim to produce actionable recommendations supporting sustainable food security goals while advancing a modern agricultural economy.

With inputs from WAM