Promotion of special agricultural products in Near East and North Africa region

FAO organized a regional workshop to strengthen the capacity of countries in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region to promote sustainable agrifood systems by scaling up the FAO OCOP initiative. The event, held on 17-19 February 2025 in Cairo, Egypt, brought together representatives from ten OCOP countries to share best practices, review progress, and explore avenues for enhancing agrifood systems through inclusive and sustainable approaches.

The OCOP initiative is a global effort of FAO joined by over 92 countries and promoting 56 special agricultural products. The initiative has seen significant progress in the NENA region, engaging 10 countries and promoting 7 products. Participating countries are focusing on a diverse range of products: Algeria (figs), Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan (dates), Lebanon (pulses), Morocco (carob), Saudi Arabia and Yemen (coffee), the Syrian Arab Republic (olives), and Tunisia (harissa).

This workshop provided a crucial platform for stakeholders from across the region, including government representatives, the private sector, and experts, to present achievements, exchange lessons learned, and share successful experiences. It also welcomed representatives from potential donor organizations and investors, facilitating discussions on funding initiatives and potential partnerships to support OCOP implementation strategies.

The three-day workshop encompassed the global and regional OCOP framework, value chain presentations from each participating country, and in-depth case studies showcasing innovative solutions. Discussions centered on next steps for coordination, communication, and resource mobilization, culminating in a comprehensive summary of key takeaways and action points for collaboration to strengthen agrifood value chains. 

“We work hand-in-hand with partners spanning governments, international organizations, non-state actors, civil society, the private sector, and many others. Collective action and shared responsibility are fundamental to our approach,” highlighted Abdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, in his opening remarks. 

Shangchuan Jiang, Project Coordinator of the OCOP Secretariat of FAO, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation: "This workshop plays a crucial role in strengthening coordination and partnerships, which are essential for the success of the OCOP initiative. By working together, countries can enhance sustainable value chains, improve market access for special agricultural products, and support rural livelihoods across the region."

May Hani, FAO Senior Programme Officer for the NENA region, emphasized, “This workshop is a critical opportunity for stakeholders in the NENA region to join forces and create sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems. By prioritizing local products, we can empower smallholder farmers and drive economic growth.” 

Exhibition of special agricultural products. ©FAO

On the sidelines of the event, a poster and knowledge product exhibition showcased special agricultural products from participating countries, highlighting the economic potential of these commodities and their contribution to sustainable development. These exhibits illustrated how farmers have benefited from improved farming techniques, access to regional markets, and enhanced value chain integration. 

“With such high interest in the initiative and expectations from the Member States, FAO has been fully committed to the implementation of OCOP in the region. Our goal is to ensure that these efforts translate into tangible benefits for smallholder farmers and the broader community,” Ayman Omer, FAO Senior Field Programme Officer for the NENA region, said. 

This hybrid workshop, conducted with simultaneous interpretation available in Arabic, English, and French, marks a key milestone in the advancement of sustainable agricultural value chains in the region, driving economic growth and food security through strategic partnerships and collective efforts.

Group photo of the participants. © FAO