Dorcas launches groundbreaking PIP project in Upper Egypt 

In early 2025, Dorcas in close partnership with our long-time partner Life Vision launched a new three-year PIP project in Upper Egypt. This innovative approach – relatively new to the Middle East – directly addresses some of the region’s most pressing environmental and social challenges, including climate change, land degradation, gender inequality and economic migration. 

The project focuses on two rural communities in Minya Governorate, one of Egypt’s lowest income regions. Here, farming families face fragmented land ownership, dated agricultural practices, and limited income opportunities – especially for women. The PIP approach aims to transform this landscape by increasing the resilience and income generation of 1,090 smallholder households, ultimately reaching over 5,000 people directly and many more indirectly. 

Women leading change 

PIP builds on the previous success of the Farmer Field and Business Schools (FFBS) model implemented by Life Vision. The project will start with 50 proactive women farmers – many of whom are FFBS graduates – acting as Innovator Farmers. These women will become role models and trainers, cascading knowledge through three generations of farmers through peer-to-peer learning. By the end of the project, more than 1,000 households will have been trained, and the ripple effect is expected to reach up to 15,000 people in surrounding communities. 

Integrated approach to farming 

The PIP methodology, developed by Wageningen University, takes a whole-household approach. It empowers families to create a shared vision for their future and develop personalised, integrated farm plans – visually represented in what’s called a ‘PIP drawing’. These plans identify goals and strategies in seven core areas: crop production, land management, livestock, income generation, household improvements, training and savings. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone in the family contributes to and benefits from the household’s progress, promoting social cohesion, gender equality and long-term economic stability. 

Beyond the households, two community-based organisations (CBOs) are also being supported to strengthen their capacity to lead development efforts and mobilise local resources. A key innovation in this project is the introduction of value chain development and improved market access, particularly in the village of El Tayeba, which is known for its higher level of entrepreneurial activity. By 2027, the project aims to have established a network of resilient, self-reliant farming families equipped with the tools, skills, and mindset to adapt, flourish, and inspire others. 

07 May 2025