By : News Editor
Jordan Daily – The National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) , represented by Director-General Dr. Nizar Haddad, has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Swiss organization Helvetas. This partnership is part of the “20 Dunums for Change” initiative, which seeks to economically empower small-scale agricultural holdings and workers in the sector.
Helvetas is an independent organization for development based in Switzerland with affiliated organizations in Germany and the United States. Helvetas supports poor and disadvantaged people and communities in almost 40 developing and transitional countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe
Dr. Haddad stated in a statement sent to Jordan Daily , that NARC is dedicated to applying scientific research findings and transferring modern technology and techniques to farmers. This effort is supported by strong partnerships with agricultural institutions, farmers, and both local and international donors.
The initiative aims to boost the income of Jordanian farmers by improving farm productivity and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices. It also encourages farmers to engage in sustainable farming to achieve desired food security goals. The project is set to benefit 600 Jordanian farmers of both genders, ensuring that their farm sizes do not exceed 20 dunums , focusing on the Mafraq and Irbid governorates.
The project includes integrating farmers into cooperatives, offering technical support, training, guidance, and enhancing communication and connectivity among farmers. It also supports innovative agricultural business ventures and provides business and technical training.
Ms. Alaa Al-Maaytah, Director of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation (HSI) Jordan, praised NARC’s leadership in supporting and empowering farmers and providing agricultural services. The project is financed by the French Development Agency (AFD) and involves collaboration with NARC, the Royal Botanic Garden (RBG), the Specific Union of Women Farmers (SUFW), and business accelerator Venture X.
Ms. Zeina Smadi, representative of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), emphasized the project’s focus on small-scale farmers in need of support and empowerment , noting that the coalition includes Helvetas Jordan, Save the Children(SC) , the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) , and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
