Dr. Alaa Megahed

Biography

My name is Dr. Alaa Samy Hafez Megahed, and I am an Assistant Professor and specialist in agricultural extension, rural development, and climate-smart agriculture. I have more than 18 years of experience working across research, community development, and international technical cooperation, with a strong focus on empowering rural communities, promoting sustainable agricultural systems, and driving digital transformation in advisory services. I currently serve as a Digital Agricultural Extension Services Expert with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Saudi Arabia, where I support the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in designing and implementing the national Digital Agriculture Extension Services initiative. My work centers on developing innovative knowledge-delivery systems, strengthening institutional capacities, and enhancing farmer-centered digital advisory platforms in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s sustainable rural development vision. I hold a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of Mysore, India, where my research focused on climate change and its implications for sustainable rural development. I also hold an M.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences (Rural Sociology) from Cairo University, and a B.Sc. with honors from Assiut University. Over the course of my career, I have worked with multidisciplinary teams on projects funded by organizations including FAO, UNDP, EU-PRIMA, and STDF, addressing climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, desert development, and community resilience. I have authored scientific papers in respected journals and presented my work at numerous international conferences, including serving as a guest and participant at COP27. I have also received several academic recognitions, including Best Researcher and Best Paper awards in India. Beyond research and advisory roles, I am passionate about capacity building, farmer support systems, youth development, and bridging the gap between science and practical field solutions. I am fluent in Arabic and English, and deeply committed to advancing innovation-driven agricultural development and contributing to sustainable food systems across the Middle East and beyond. 🎤 Short Personal Bio (for conferences & speeches) I am Dr. Alaa Samy Hafez Megahed, a researcher and development specialist focusing on agricultural extension, climate resilience, and digital advisory systems. I currently support the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Saudi Arabia through the FAO, working on the digital transformation of agricultural extension services. With over 18 years of experience across Egypt, India, and the Gulf region, my work aims to empower rural communities, strengthen agricultural innovation systems, and promote sustainable and climate-smart farming practices.

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