Amman:The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has successfully completed the second phase of its awareness program on rooftop rainwater harvesting in the southern governorates of Karak, Tafileh, and Ma'an. This initiative is part of the "Building resilience to cope with climate change in Jordan through improving water use efficiency in the agriculture sector" (BRCCJ) project, which is funded by the Green Climate Fund.
According to Jordan News Agency, the program aims to strengthen water security by developing adaptable water systems as part of its first component. It was launched last September in collaboration with local authorities and implemented by Advance Consulting (FAL). The initiative seeks to educate school students, government employees, community members, and mosque imams about the benefits of harvesting rainwater from rooftops and using it efficiently, thereby reducing the burden on public water networks.
The awareness program included sessions at 75 public schools, reaching 3,656 students, and 12 additional sessions for public building employees, attended by 267 individuals. In total, 150 government buildings, including mosques and health centers, were involved, with 50 from each governorate. The sessions covered Jordan's water scarcity, climate change adaptation, rainwater harvesting techniques, water-use efficiency, and the installation of water-saving devices.
The training featured interactive methods and practical workshops on rainwater collection, storage, and usage, including irrigation. Participants were also introduced to water conservation strategies and devices for schools, homes, and public buildings.
These activities are integral to the BRCCJ project, which FAO implements alongside the Jordanian ministries of Agriculture, Water and Irrigation, and Environment, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As the first project in Jordan funded by the Green Climate Fund, it aims to bolster water security and enhance the agricultural sector's resilience to climate change through improved water-use efficiency and sustainable practices.
The project, with a budget of $33.25 million over seven years, supports Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision. It addresses the challenges of climate change and water stress in Karak, Madaba, Tafileh, and Ma'an, crucial for the agricultural sector and rural communities.