What's Happening?
Goumbook, a social enterprise founded in 2009, is spearheading efforts to promote regenerative agriculture across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region. This initiative is a response to the increasing challenges posed by climate change,
water scarcity, and land degradation, which threaten agricultural productivity and food security in the region. Regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring soil health, improving water efficiency, and enhancing climate resilience. Although globally recognized, this approach is still in its nascent stages in the MENAT region, necessitating solutions tailored to its arid environments and socio-economic conditions. Goumbook's MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme, now in its second year, supports early-stage innovations that address food security, water scarcity, and soil health. The programme has attracted significant interest, with 510 registrations from 65 countries, and involves over 80 academic and research institutions.
Why It's Important?
The advancement of regenerative agriculture in the MENAT region is crucial due to the area's unique environmental challenges and its rich agricultural heritage. By focusing on sustainable practices, Goumbook aims to transform the region into a hub for climate-resilient and desert agriculture. This initiative not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also supports sustainable rural livelihoods, which are vital for the socio-economic stability of the region. The programme's emphasis on innovation and collaboration with policymakers and the private sector is designed to create an enabling ecosystem for these practices, potentially setting a precedent for other regions facing similar challenges. The success of this initiative could lead to significant improvements in food security and environmental sustainability, benefiting both local communities and the global effort to combat climate change.
What's Next?
Goumbook plans to continue its efforts by engaging with policymakers and the private sector to promote regulatory frameworks and investment mechanisms that support regenerative practices. The inaugural MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Summit, held in Riyadh, highlighted the importance of partnerships in scaling these solutions. Future steps include expanding the Venture Programme to support more innovators and fostering an ecosystem that encourages the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. By building on the momentum generated by the summit and the programme, Goumbook aims to drive systemic change in the region's food systems.
