UAE Celebrates Women in Agriculture at Farmer Field Schools Graduation
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), hosted a graduation ceremony for the Farmer Field Schools program. This event celebrated the achievements of women in the UAE’s agriculture sector, focusing on managing the Red Palm Weevil and cultivating date palms.
Empowering Women in Agriculture
The program included five Farmer Field Schools from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, with 48 participants, including eight women farm owners and managers. This marked a significant step in increasing female participation in agricultural management.
Key Figures and Statements
Dr. Mohamed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary of Food Diversity at MoCCAE, expressed pride in supporting initiatives that empower women and enhance agricultural resilience. He also mentioned the UAE’s national programme ‘Plant the Emirates’ and the ‘National Agriculture Centre’ as crucial steps in addressing agricultural challenges.
Kayan Akram Jaff, Head of Mission of the FAO Subregional Office, emphasized the program’s role in equipping farmers with practical skills and highlighting women’s vital role in agriculture. Thaer Yaseen, FAO Senior Plant Protection Officer, noted the importance of community engagement in managing the Red Palm Weevil.
Program Achievements
The program increased awareness of the Red Palm Weevil’s impact, improved agricultural practices, and strengthened collaboration among farmers, contributing to the resilience of the date palm industry.
Doubts Revealed
UAE -: UAE stands for the United Arab Emirates, which is a country in the Middle East. It is known for its modern cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
FAO -: FAO stands for the Food and Agriculture Organization. It is a part of the United Nations that helps countries improve their agriculture and food security.
Farmer Field Schools -: Farmer Field Schools are programs where farmers learn new skills and techniques to improve their farming. They often involve hands-on training and group learning.
Red Palm Weevil -: The Red Palm Weevil is a type of insect that can damage palm trees, especially date palms. It is a pest that farmers need to manage to protect their crops.
Date palms -: Date palms are trees that produce dates, a type of sweet fruit. They are commonly grown in the Middle East and are important for agriculture in the region.
Agricultural resilience -: Agricultural resilience means the ability of farming systems to withstand challenges like pests, diseases, and climate change, and still produce food.