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
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.
AFRAS
Strengthening Rural Advisory Services through Participatory and Facilitation-Based Approaches in the NENA Region
30/07/2026
Agriculture across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region is facing increasingly complex challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, market volatility, environmental degradation and rapidly evolving technologies.
Events
23/11
2026
25/10
2026
Third Annual Meeting of the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Hybrid Event, 23/11/2026 - 25/10/2026
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
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.
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Rural advisory services in fragile and crisis-affected contexts in the Near East and North Africa region Evidence from five case studies
14/09/2026
This issue brief examines the role of Rural Advisory Services (RAS) in supporting resilience, recovery and social cohesion in fragile and crisis-affected contexts across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.
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