According to Oman News Agency (ONA), the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in North Al Batinah Governorate has launched a new programme in Sohar to support Oman rural women through entrepreneurship, training and sustainable development. Introduced on Thursday, the initiative aims to empower 1,500 women by creating opportunities that improve livelihoods, strengthen local businesses and encourage knowledge sharing across rural communities.
Oman Rural Women initiative focuses on entrepreneurship
The programme is being held under the theme “Rural Leadership: Empowerment, Production and Knowledge Transfer.” It brings together several development initiatives that help women strengthen their skills while encouraging them to build sustainable businesses in the agricultural sector.
Eng. Nasser bin Ali Al Marshoudi, Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in North Al Batinah Governorate, said the programme is designed to empower 1,500 women. He explained that the initiatives will encourage entrepreneurship while supporting sustainable development across the governorate. At the same time, the programme seeks to create practical opportunities that allow women to contribute more actively to local economic growth.
North Al Batinah launches projects for rural women
The programme introduced a new production line to support entrepreneurial projects. The programme also introduces an electronic guidance kit that will help implement seven strategic agricultural projects in different rural communities.
These projects include the establishment of livestock pens, laboratory testing units, marketing exhibitions and a waste recycling system. Together, these initiatives provide practical tools that can improve agricultural production while helping women develop new business opportunities. In addition, the projects encourage innovation by introducing modern approaches that strengthen productivity and improve the efficient use of available resources.
Training partnerships expand innovation and knowledge
The programme also places strong emphasis on collaboration and learning. During the launch ceremony, officials signed training contracts alongside a memorandum of understanding between women entrepreneurs and companies established by university students.
These partnerships aim to promote innovation while encouraging the exchange of practical knowledge and technical expertise. As participants work together, they will gain access to training that supports business development, strengthens entrepreneurial skills and encourages long-term cooperation between different sectors.
Programme Advances Sustainable Rural Development
The launch ceremony took place under the patronage of Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al Hinai, Wali of Sohar. Government officials highlighted the programme as part of wider efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship among Oman rural women while supporting sustainable agricultural development in North Al Batinah.
By combining training, entrepreneurial support and strategic agricultural projects, the initiative creates new opportunities for rural communities. It also encourages knowledge transfer, strengthens local partnerships and supports sustainable development goals across the governorate, providing women with practical resources to expand their participation in the rural economy.
