The Sama Al Sarhan Model as a Beacon of the WEFE Nexus Approach

At Sama Al Sarhan, Greentech has integrated hydroponic greenhouses, grid-tied solar PV panels, and water harvesting pools to create a harmonious ecosystem that optimizes farming practices. By clustering and aggregating greenhouses, we maximize efficiency and promote sustainable agriculture techniques. Our seasoned agriculture experts ensure the implementation of energy-efficient farming methods, with a focus on hydroponic and aquaponic systems, fostering both environmental sustainability and increased productivity.

For the past three years, Sama Al Sarhan has served as our pilot project, demonstrating the viability and impact of our approach. Through comprehensive support including capacity building, mentorship, and market connections, we have empowered women, youth, and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) in the agricultural sector. The facility has not only provided a platform for economic development but has also contributed to preserving ecosystems and bolstering climate resilience.

As we look to the future, we aim to scale up this model and replicate it across other areas of the North-East Badia Highlands. Our vision extends beyond infrastructure development; we seek to expand our reach, engaging more beneficiaries in agriculture and connecting them to markets for their produce. This expansion will not only enhance food security and economic opportunities but will also contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

The success of Sama Al Sarhan serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative potential of the WEFE Nexus approach in addressing complex socio-economic and environmental challenges. Through continued innovation and collaboration, we strive to create a more resilient and prosperous future for all stakeholders in the North-East Badia Highlands and beyond. 

Our scale-up project involves replicating the successful model of the Sama Al Sarhan facility in other areas of the North-East Badia Highlands. This expansion aims to extend the benefits of our integrated approach to more communities, focusing on improving livelihoods and addressing challenges in water, energy, and food security. 

As a key component of our solution, rainwater harvesting takes center stage in our efforts to replicate the success of the Sama Al Sarhan model across the North-East Badia Highlands. Just as in our flagship facility, the construction of water harvesting pools will be integral to the design of new agricultural hubs. These pools will work in tandem with hydroponic greenhouses and solar PV panels, forming the backbone of our sustainable farming infrastructure.

Key components of our solution include:

• Constructing similar agricultural hubs: We will build new facilities incorporating hydroponic greenhouses, grid-tied solar PV panels, and water harvesting pools to optimize farming practices and promote sustainability.

• Clustering and aggregating greenhouses: By maximizing efficiency and productivity while minimizing resource usage, we aim to create agricultural hubs that serve as centres of excellence in sustainable farming techniques.

• Empowering marginalized groups: Continuing our commitment to empowering women, youth, and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD), we will provide comprehensive support including capacity building, mentorship, and market connections to enhance economic opportunities.

• Scaling market connections: We will work to connect more beneficiaries to markets for their produce, thereby improving income generation and livelihoods for farmers in the region.

• Promoting socio-economic development: Through our expanded efforts, we aim to contribute to the socio-economic development of the North-East Badia Highlands, fostering resilience and prosperity for local communities.

• Rainwater Harvesting Pool: We reduce the need for traditional irrigation methods, which can be energy-intensive and environmentally harmful. This approach promotes ecosystem preservation and biodiversity, contributing to the long-term health and vitality of the North-East Badia Highlands.

Overall, our scale-up project seeks to replicate the success of the Sama Al Sarhan model, extending its impact to more areas and communities in the region while promoting sustainability and resilience in agriculture.
Aims and Goals

The scale-up project aims to replicate the Sama Al Sarhan model across the North-East Badia Highlands. Key objectives include:

1. Constructing additional agricultural hubs that integrate sustainable farming techniques, renewable energy, and water management systems.
2. Clustering and aggregating agricultural units to maximize efficiency and productivity.
3. Empowering marginalized groups by providing capacity building, mentorship, and market linkages.
4. Scaling market connections to improve income generation for beneficiaries.
5. Promoting socio-economic development while enhancing food security and climate resilience in local communities.

Expected outcomes on the WEFE dimensions:

WEFE-Oriented Solutions and Project Objectives:

Sama Al Sarhan integrates technical systems and soft interventions to address the four dimensions of the WEFE Nexus:

Technical Systems:

• Greenhouse-based farming units for year-round cultivation.
• Solar energy integration to support energy-efficient operations.
• Water harvesting and management systems to reduce water use and promote ecosystem health.

Soft Interventions:

• Capacity building and training for beneficiaries, including women, youth, and PLWD.
• Mentorship and market linkage support to enhance income generation.
• Community engagement through participatory approaches to ensure alignment with local needs.

Timeline:

• Three-year pilot phase: established operational hubs, trained beneficiaries, and tested resource-efficient farming techniques.
• Short-term goals: operational agricultural units and trained beneficiaries.
• Long-term goals: scale-up the integrated WEFE model, expand market connections, and enhance resilience of communities and ecosystems.

Main Achievements to Date

• Operational support for 69 farms and 304 home-based businesses, empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs.
• Creation of 1,224 employment opportunities across the region.
• Training of ~15,000 farmers and young entrepreneurs in sustainable agriculture, water management, and renewable energy.
• Integration of 58 agricultural units in cluster networks covering ~60,000 m², demonstrating resource efficiency and sustainable practices.
• Socio-economic and environmental impact: enhanced food security, increased income generation, and preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Our project has been recognized as a scalable and repeatable model by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), highlighting its potential for replicability and scalability across the region. This designation underscores the innovative nature of our approach and its capacity to be adapted and expanded to similar contexts, thereby maximizing its impact and reach.

The potential for replicability and scalability lies in several key aspects of our project:

• Modular design: Our integrated agricultural hubs, comprising hydroponic greenhouses, solar PV panels, and water harvesting systems, are designed with modularity in mind. This allows for easy replication in different locations, regardless of variations in terrain or climate. The modular design facilitates rapid deployment and adaptation to local conditions, making it suitable for scaling across diverse landscapes.

• Comprehensive support framework: Central to our project's success is its comprehensive support framework, which includes capacity building, mentorship, and market connections for beneficiaries. This framework can be replicated and tailored to meet the specific needs of different communities, ensuring that the project remains relevant and effective in various contexts.

• Partnership networks: Our collaboration with local stakeholders, government agencies, and international organizations strengthens our project's replicability and scalability. By leveraging existing partnership networks and engaging with stakeholders at multiple levels, we can facilitate the replication and scaling of our model, tapping into resources and expertise beyond our own capacity.

• Knowledge sharing and documentation: We prioritize knowledge sharing and documentation to capture lessons learned, best practices, and challenges encountered throughout the implementation process. By disseminating this knowledge through workshops, training sessions, and publications, we enable other organizations and communities to replicate and adapt our model effectively.

Adaptive management approach: Flexibility and adaptability are integral to our project's approach, allowing us to respond to changing circumstances and feedback from stakeholders. This adaptive management approach ensures that the project remains responsive to evolving needs and challenges, enhancing its potential for replicability and scalability over time.

Lessons Learned:

• Community engagement ensures sustainability: Early and active involvement of beneficiaries fosters ownership and long-term success.
• Modular and cluster-based designs allow scalability: Agricultural units can be adapted to different terrains and climates.
• Combination of technical and soft interventions is essential: Infrastructure alone is insufficient without training, mentorship, and market access.
• Adaptive management strengthens resilience: Flexibility to respond to local environmental and socio-economic challenges is key for scale-up.
• Partnerships enhance impact: Collaboration with government agencies, local stakeholders, and international organizations facilitates replication and resource mobilization.