The Near East Foundation (NEF) has provided agricultural specialists and technical assistance for rural development in countries throughout Africa since 1964. Today, NEF helps people in five countries initiate and sustain long-term change.

In Lesotho, NEF works with a local Basotho non-governmental organization called Gardening for Rural and Organizational Well-Being (GROW) to implement a comprehensive development program that is bringing better nutrition, more abundant crops, and improved sanitation to remote mountain villages.

In Mali, NEF works with rural communities to foster sustainable natural resource management, increase food production, and boost literacy.

In Morocco, NEF works with village associations to introduce new technologies that save time, conserve trees, produce income, and enhance family nutrition.

In Sudan, NEF works with NGOs and informal community groups to deliver medicine and basic health care to isolated areas, improve access to clean water, revitalize fish-farming, and strengthen local institutions.

In Swaziland, NEF provides consulting services to NGOs concerned with credit and business development for women, community water management, and organization of a beekeeping association.