The Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS) is a collaborative network dedicated to advancing extension and rural advisory services across Arab countries. With a clear vision of contributing to rural transformation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AFRAS actively engages in fostering networking, knowledge sharing, and learning among RAS stakeholders from different sectors. AFRAS places a strong emphasis on creating inclusive, gender-responsive, pluralistic, market-oriented, and demand-driven systems, underscoring its commitment to catalyzing positive change and sustainable development in rural communities. Read more >
Stories
Blogs
AFRAS
GFRAS Annual Meeting 2026: Bringing Practitioner Knowledge into SciencePractitioner-Led Science for Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Transformation
05/11/2026
Every day, rural advisory practitioners work with farmers to test ideas, adapt practices and solve problems. These experiences generate valuable knowledge. Yet much of it remains undocumented, limiting opportunities for others to learn from it.
AFRAS
Enabling Stronger Rural Advisory Services in the NENA Region
24/09/2026
Farmers need reliable advice to make production decisions. They also need help understanding the rules that affect their farming activities, from pesticide use and water management to contracts, payments and market requirements.
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AFRAS
Strengthening Livestock Services in the NENA Region
02/09/2026
Livestock production is central to food security, nutrition, income generation and rural livelihoods across the Near East and North Africa (NENA). Smallholders and pastoralists manage much of the region's livestock, particularly sheep and goats adapted to dryland and semi-arid environments.
Events
23/11
2026
25/11
2026
Third Annual Meeting of the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Hybrid Event, 23/11/2026 - 25/11/2026
Background
Rural Advisory Services (RAS) play a central role in transforming agrifood systems across the Near East and North Africa (NENA). They support farmers and rural communities in responding to climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, market volatility and food insecurity.
At the same time, digital platforms, mobile applications, arti...
Publications
Strengthening climate-smart agriculture through rural advisory services in the Near East and North Africa
10/11/2026
This policy brief examines how stronger Rural Advisory Services (RAS) can accelerate the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. Drawing on regional experiences and lessons from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco, it highlights the need for more integrated, participatory and climate-responsive advisory systems.
Investing in rural advisory services for inclusive rural transformation in the Near East and North Africa
14/09/2026
This policy brief highlights the strategic importance of investing in Rural Advisory Services (RAS) as a driver of food security, climate resilience and inclusive rural transformation in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.
Innovating rural advisory services in the Arab region: A compendium of practices
14/09/2026
Innovating rural advisory services in the Arab region: A compendium of practices showcases innovative experiences that demonstrate how rural advisory services are supporting farmers and rural communities across the Arab region.
Multimedia
Albums
2nd AFRAS Meeting
01/02/2026
25-27 August 2025. Cairo, Egypt. 2nd AFRAS Meeting: Leveraging Rural Advisory Services for Inclusive Rural Transformation in the Arab Region
Arab Forum Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS) Foundational Meeting
24/07/2023
24-25 July 2024, Cairo - FAO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development are collaborating to establish a rural advisory service in the...
Regional forum on “The future of Farmers' Field Schools” in NENA
28/12/2023
Contact
Lena AbouJaoude: Food Security and Agricultural Livelihoods Assessment Specialist
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa
Cairo - Egypt