Grain from the desert-2

Abundant Grain Sprouts in Egypt’s Desert..!

The Bible contains a beautiful promise: “The desert will bloom.” We are witnessing this in Israel—and now, it is happening in Egypt too! Our first project (2023–2024) was met with such enthusiasm that we are now launching a second initiative.

Urgency
Southern Egypt is marked by severe poverty. In the governorate of Minya lies the village of Bani Khaled, home to over 12,000 residents. A significant proportion of the population lives below the poverty line, and unemployment is high. Around 20% of the residents are Christians. Like their Muslim neighbours, they struggle with a lack of employment opportunities and income. Since 2022, the situation has worsened further due to soaring food prices. As Egypt produces too little of its own food and relies heavily on imports, the need continues to grow.

Project
The Nile Valley Foundation, led by Jos Strengholt—who has been active in Egypt for over 30 years—is working in collaboration with a local Coptic organisation, which operates throughout the country. Together, they focus on supporting local Christian communities, and have launched a new project in Bani Khaled. Many Christian farmers in the area own small, marginal plots of land on the edge of Egypt’s western desert. As they are too poor to develop this land independently, we are stepping in to assist. Through this initiative, we are helping Christian farmers convert a total of 50 acres of desert into productive farmland—benefiting dozens of farming families.

‘Your one-time contribution enables hundreds of Christian families in Bani Khaled to thank the Lord for His faithful care.’ – Jos Strengholt, Nile Valley Foundation

Approach
The Coptic organization has already provided a water well and solar-powered electricity to the area. They now need our help to install irrigation systems across the 50 acres and improve the quality of the desert soil. If we can secure the necessary funding, there are plans to add a fish pond and a small sheep farm in the same location. But first, turning the desert green is the top priority.

Impact
This 50-acre project is expected to yield between 100 and 150 tons of wheat per year; enough to bake more than 600,000 Egyptian loaves of bread. That’s sufficient to feed 1,000 people for a full year, every year. From a food security perspective, the impact is enormous. Additionally, the project will provide jobs and training in sustainable farming techniques for 200 individuals, including both landowners and farm workers.

Costs
In collaboration with the local church, we aim to develop a further 50 acres of desert in 2025 and 2026. To make this a reality, we urgently need funding for irrigation systems, soil improvement, and seeds. Additional support is also required for project management and follow-up. The one-off cost for this phase of the project is €112,000. Once the land has been cultivated and the first harvest gathered, no further donations will be necessary. This is a one-time investment to kick-start grain production. Thereafter, the project will become financially self-sustaining. If sufficient donations are received, we also plan to move forward with the fish pond and sheep farm as a second phase. This would require an additional €53,000.

Unique ‘investment’ project!
This is a project that truly captures the imagination: 50 acres of desert transformed into fertile farmland! Last year’s pilot was a resounding success, and we are now ready to expand into a new area. Would you consider ‘investing’ in something this transformative? With a one-off donation, you can help bring about lasting change. You will be standing alongside our Coptic brothers and sisters in Egypt—already facing immense challenges—as they strive to feed their children and build a better future.

MissionInvest invites you to take part in this extraordinary opportunity. The total funding required is €112,000, which amounts to just €2,240 per acre. The beauty of your support is this: the seed you plant today will yield a rich harvest—year after year.