Egypt’s CROWN Project to Enhance Water Efficiency on 30,000 Acres

Dr. Hani Sweilem.

Dr. Hani Sweilem, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, convened a meeting to discuss the status of the “Climate Resilient Water Management and Adaptation at the Field Level in the Nile Valley (CROWN)” project.

This initiative is being executed in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. CROWN is recognized as a leading strategic project included in the national platform for the “Nourishing Water for Food and Energy (NWFE)” program.

During the meeting, the project’s primary objectives were outlined, focusing on empowering smallholder farmers, enhancing field irrigation efficiency to reduce water loss, increasing crop productivity, and creating over 21,000 job opportunities in rural areas. The project will utilize solar energy systems as a primary option for operating lifting stations, aiming to lower carbon emissions while promoting clean energy use and achieving environmental sustainability.

The project’s initial phase is set to span seven years, targeting Minya and Beni Suef governorates across an area of 30,000 acres—comprising 25,000 acres of old land and 5,000 acres of sandy land. The second phase will gradually expand to cover 400,000 acres in central and southern Upper Egypt.

The estimated total cost for all phases of the project is projected at $1.66 billion, with $162.6 million allocated for the first phase alone. This phase consists of three main components: infrastructure and irrigation at $115.7 million (71.2%), value chains and agriculture at $36.6 million (22.5%), and policy support and management at $10.3 million (6.3%).

In closing remarks, Dr. Sweilem emphasized the ministry’s strong commitment to projects that adapt to climate change while enhancing water management efficiency amidst current water scarcity challenges. He highlighted the importance of expanding modern irrigation systems and sustainable solutions that contribute to better resource utilization, food security, and support for farmers.