Cairo: Desert Research Centre and QNB Alahli signed a cooperation protocol on Sunday to launch the Nama Initiative, a new development effort aimed at supporting agriculture and empowering rural communities in the Sinai Peninsula.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the initiative, spearheaded by the Desert Research Centre in collaboration with national and regional partners, will focus initially on South Sinai’s Sahel El-Qa’a development cluster. It aims to finance 40 agricultural projects in the area as a first phase, targeting enhanced productivity, increased household income, and social stability-particularly by empowering women and promoting micro and small enterprises.

‘The Nama Initiative is a strategic step toward sustainable development in Sinai,’ said Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. ‘It will improve food security, generate job opportunities in desert areas, and strengthen ties between the banking, research, and agricultural sectors.’

The projects will span a variety of agricultural fields and include hands-on training for beneficiaries in sustainable farming practices. By improving yields and supporting strategic crop cultivation, the initiative aims to raise living standards and foster economic resilience in rural communities.

The Desert Research Centre will continue to provide technical guidance and advisory services while working to attract additional funding to expand the programme across both North and South Sinai.

The first phase will benefit 40 families, focusing on optimising land and water resources in the face of environmental challenges unique to the region. Officials say the programme will serve as a model for replicable development in other desert areas, positioning agriculture as a key driver of inclusive growth.