UAE Celebrates Women's Achievements In Agriculture At Farmer Field Schools Graduation Ceremony

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), held a graduation ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Farmer Field Schools program.

This event highlighted the important achievements of women in the agriculture sector of the United Arab Emirates. The program focused on managing the Red Palm Weevil (RPW) and growing date palms.

It included five Farmer Field Schools located in Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

A total of 48 participants took part in the event, which included eight women farm owners and managers attending for the first time. These women acquired valuable skills and knowledge, representing a significant advancement for women's involvement in agricultural management.

"We are proud to support initiatives that empower women and foster collaboration among farmers," Assistant Undersecretary of Food Diversity at MoCCAE Mohamed Salman Al Hammadi said, according to WAM.

"This graduation ceremony reflects our commitment to enhancing agricultural resilience and sustainability in the United Arab Emirates," he added.

Al Hammadi further stressed the importance of the UAE's national program, "Plant the Emirates," and the "National Agriculture Centre" as key steps in addressing the country's agricultural challenges.

The Farmer Field School program shows the UAE's commitment to promoting sustainable farming practices and supporting its farmers. By offering hands-on training and practical solutions, local farmers are now better able to identify, monitor, and manage the red palm weevil.

This ultimately helps strengthen the date palm industry in the region.

Kayan Akram Jaff, the Head of Mission of the FAO Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen, said that the program helps farmers learn practical skills and highlights the important role of women in agriculture.

Thaer Yaseen, a Senior Plant Protection Officer at FAO who leads the RPW project, noted that the successful implementation of the program shows how important community involvement is in managing the Red Palm Weevil. He explained that through collaboration and sharing knowledge, they can effectively fight this pest and protect their date palm resources.

The program raises awareness and knowledge about the Red Palm Weevil and how it affects date palm farming. It has also improved farming practices, resulting in better yields and healthier date palms. Moreover, the program also enhanced connections and teamwork among farmers, helping empower them and build resilience.