Amman: The Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday hosted a high-level meeting with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to follow up on the second phase of the Small Ruminant Investment and Rural Households Out of Poverty Project, chaired by Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hunaifat.
According to Jordan News Agency, the session aimed to expand the scope of the project following the successful implementation of its first phase in northern Jordan, which demonstrated measurable improvements in rural livelihoods and garnered positive feedback from beneficiaries.
Discussions focused on scaling the project to southern governorates while ensuring long-term sustainability in the north. A proposed financing package, comprising a $5 million grant and a $15 million loan, will support the second phase. The funding is part of a broader strategic framework focused on livestock development, production enhancement, and rural empowerment.
Key priorities include upgrading artificial insemination centers to improve livestock genetics, enhancing epidemiological monitoring systems, and adopting advanced technologies for disease management. These efforts are being coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen animal health infrastructure and bolster epidemic preparedness.
The project will also introduce targeted capacity-building programs for small-scale farmers and breeders, aiming to improve project management skills and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
In addition to technical objectives, the initiative places strong emphasis on socioeconomic empowerment. Microfinance tools and income-generating initiatives will be deployed to support rural families, particularly women, within a comprehensive approach to rural economic development.
Hunaifat underscored the importance of nationwide expansion, stating that the project addresses core needs in rural areas and contributes significantly to food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable rural development. He also highlighted its broader impact on public health and the environment through enhanced animal disease prevention.
IFAD officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Jordan, noting that the first phase serves as a regional model for integrating economic and social outcomes to uplift vulnerable populations.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to finalize technical and logistical studies and to draft a comprehensive implementation plan for the second phase, to be launched in collaboration with government entities, local authorities, and beneficiary communities.