Upon the desire of the Arab countries the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) was established in 1970 and started operating in 1972., upon the desire of the Arab countries. Realizing the vital role of agriculture within the region's economy, the Arab countries recognized the need for coordination between their different policies in agriculture, natural and human resources as well as economic development, in order to achieve the ultimate goal of a fully integrated Arab economies. AOAD started operating in 1972. At the national level, AOAD is working to assist member countries in developing and enhancing their respective agricultural sectors. At the regional level, AOAD is to facilitating coordination amongst member states in the agricultural sector, with the aim of achieving a fully integrated Arab economy union, and food self-sufficiency.