In response to mounting environmental pressures threatening food security across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT), social enterprise Goumbook is spearheading a transformative shift toward regenerative agricultural practices. Founded in 2009, the organization has established itself as a pivotal force in sustainability innovation, addressing critical challenges posed by climate change, severe water scarcity, and progressive land degradation through cross-sector collaboration.
The region’s unique combination of ancient agricultural heritage and extreme environmental conditions necessitates tailored solutions. Goumbook’s strategy focuses on developing locally adapted regenerative techniques that restore soil vitality, enhance water efficiency, and strengthen climate resilience. Their approach brings together governmental bodies, private sector entities, academic institutions, and civil society to create an enabling ecosystem for sustainable food systems.
Central to this mission is the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme, now entering its second year. This initiative has demonstrated remarkable reach, attracting 510 registrations from 65 countries and engaging over 80 academic and research institutions. The program identifies and nurtures early-stage, research-driven innovations addressing the region’s most pressing agricultural challenges.
Shortlisted innovations encompass diverse solutions including organic bio-fertilizers, synthetic pesticide alternatives, soil regeneration technologies, crop diversification methods, and advanced agricultural technologies. These innovations collectively target drought resistance, soil degradation reversal, salinity management, biodiversity conservation, and desertification mitigation while supporting sustainable rural economies.
The program provides comprehensive support through structured bootcamps, expert mentorship, specialized training, financial grants, and incubation opportunities. This enables participants to develop entrepreneurial skills, refine scalable business models, and access essential networks for implementation and growth.
Beyond innovation development, Goumbook actively engages policymakers and private sector leaders to promote supportive regulatory frameworks, investment mechanisms, and market demand for regenerative practices. This multi-stakeholder approach was prominently showcased at the inaugural MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Summit in Riyadh on May 15, held under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture. The summit convened regional and international stakeholders to advance partnerships and scale regenerative solutions across food systems.
According to Samantha Kayruz, Strategy & Sustainability Impact Director at Goumbook, ‘With the right enabling ecosystem, the region has the potential to become a center of excellence for climate-resilient and desert agriculture, with solutions that are both regionally grounded and globally relevant.’