WHO ARE WE?

CRDRS announced its identity by adopting a vision, mission and strategic objectives that seek to link the scientific community concerned with the field of rural development at the Faculty of Agriculture at Cairo University – the oldest agricultural college that originated in Egypt in 1898 – with its counterparts in other national universities, as well as linking it to the reality of rural changes in Egypt and its regional environment. As well, the experiences of other countries that are culturally or geographically close or similar in the context of their social and cultural development with the situation in Egypt.

Establishment CRDRS

CRDRS is an autonomous research center affiliated to the faculty of agriculture, Cairo University with main interest in all issues related to rural development in Egypt and similar developing countries. CRDRS was established in 2001 according to a ministerial decree issued by the President of the Supreme Council of Universities (the Minister of Higher Education)  no. 639 dated 14/4/2001 . Its wide relationships with national and international organizations interested in this area help enriching the experience of national scholars with the capacities and skills needed for Excellency in their career.

Since establishment of CRDRS at the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University in February 2001 it took the initiative to strengthen the mutual collaboration with national and international scientific institutes such as CIHEAM in general and IAMM in particular, AGROPOLIS in France and many other institutes in the area of rural development and other related areas in the entire Mediterranean region. Through the joint activities of CRDRS with other organizations the center has established very close relationships with national institutes nationwide and international institutes in Egypt and abroad. 

The center was interested in concluding and activating bilateral cooperation agreements with scientific bodies at home in Egyptian universities (Mansoura, Zagazig and Kafr El-Sheikh) and corresponding research centers abroad such as France and Italy.

OUR VISION:

In the light of the growing interest in issues of rural development at national and international level, the Center would continue to deepen its contribution to all areas of rural development through its activities emanating from the concerns of the Egyptian society and relevant international bodies in this area.

OUR MISSION:

Our mission is to “make use of local and international expertise of the specialized staff members of Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, in serving rural development in Egypt.  In this endeavor CRDRS uses its professional relationships with other institutes of common interest and similar mission at national, regional and global levels, to exchange experience and to support national and world capacity- skills and knowledge appropriate for rural development under local conditions”.

OUR OBJECTIVES:

CRDRS seeks to achieve these objectives:

1. Undertaken theoretical studies and field researches in the domains of rural development in both traditional and new rural communities.
2. Cooperating with the agencies and institutions concerned with rural development issues in solving the problem facing old and new rural communities in Egypt and other countries at the local, regional, national and international levels.
3. Designing and implementing action research and development projects in the old and new rural communities.
4. Providing technical consultations for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development in old rural communities and settlements in reclaimed areas.
5. Implementing programs and projects for developing rural human resources through the organization of training courses, seminars and workshops at local, regional, national and international levels.
6. Establishment and improving the database of rural development to include the related and the concerned organizations and projects for rural development which has been and is being implemented in Egypt.
7. Initiating a research network for rural development between the Middle Eastern and the Mediterranean countries, and enhancement of information exchange between the interested research centers in the region.
8. Organizing international workshops and seminars in the areas of rural development.
9. Suggesting new approaches and methods in rural development to deal with the diverse impacts of globalization and international changes on the rural areas.
10. Introducing new approaches to rural development that take into account:
11. The impact of the new world order.
12. Globalization and the World Trade Organization on rural development programs and on    local communities and small farmers.
13. Presenting new approaches and methods to confront the global changes mentioned previously, such as the territorial approach.