Impact Cluster: Sustainable Operational Protected Horticulture (SOPH) Center

Agriculture plays a vital role in Egypt's economy, with the Nile River being the primary source of fresh water for farming. The quality of Nile water is however deteriorating, and climate change poses additional challenges, making efficient water management and climate-smart agriculture essential for maintaining stable crop yields. Protected horticulture provides a solution to these challenges by enabling more efficient water use and improving crop resilience against climatic variations. 

The "Sustainable Operational Protected Horticulture (SOPH) Center: Training, Demonstration, and Research Facility" addresses these challenges through a comprehensive set of activities: 

1. Training: The center provides capacity-building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of farmers, extension officers, university teachers, and students. This involves practical training, knowledge dissemination, and the creation of a HortiTech network to facilitate regular networking events, forums, and online platforms for knowledge exchange. 
2. Demonstration: The SOPH center's 2000m² greenhouse facility serves as a demonstration unit showcasing Dutch technologies. By providing tangible evidence of these technologies' benefits, the project promotes the adoption of advanced horticultural practices and opens the market for innovative solutions. 
3. Research: The center conducts research to enhance understanding of greenhouse technologies and soilless cultivation in semi-desert climates. This involves adapting Dutch techniques to local conditions, investigating the impact of climate change, and establishing research and development partnerships with institutions, universities, and private companies.

The activities aim to create a sustainable and inclusive impact on the agricultural and horticultural landscape of Egypt, particularly in the Orabi region, fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods.