Amman: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Jordan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, has launched a new Japanese-funded project aimed at addressing the impact of drought, water scarcity, and climate change on Jordan's agricultural sector.
According to Jordan News Agency, the project, titled "From Scarcity to Sustainability: Building Adaptive Drought Interventions in Agriculture - Climate Adaptation and Enhancing Jordan's Drought Resilience," is set to target around 380 beneficiaries. These include smallholder farmers from refugee and host communities, women-led cooperatives, and Ministry of Agriculture staff in Ajloun, Jerash, and the Northern Shouneh area. The project will collaborate with the National Agricultural Research Center for its implementation.
Assistant Secretary-General for Marketing of the Ministry of Agriculture, Khalil Amr, emphasized the transnational nature of drought-related challenges, highlighting the necessity for collective action, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer. He stressed the importance of increasing climate finance, investing in scientific research and innovation, and developing partnerships among governments, international organizations, the private sector, and local communities to create more resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.
Japanese Ambassador Hideki Asari expressed Japan's commitment to supporting Jordan's climate adaptation efforts. He noted that the project provides a timely response to the severe effects of drought at both the institutional and community levels while creating livelihood opportunities in vulnerable areas. The initiative aligns with Jordan's efforts to achieve sustainable growth.
Acting FAO Representative in Jordan Paul Opio stated that promoting agroecological and climate-smart agricultural practices in vulnerable areas is an investment in both immediate adaptation needs and long-term resilience. He added that building drought-resilient agricultural systems is crucial for strengthening food security and economic stability.
Project activities planned include distributing agricultural inputs, establishing demonstration sites for climate-smart agricultural practices, and bolstering institutional capacities for drought preparedness and water resources management.