By : staff writer
Jordan Daily – The Government of Norway and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), visited on February 20 the implementing location for the project “Transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems” funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tafeilah governorate.
In a statement sent to Jordan Daily , the project funded by Norway and supported by Ministry of Agriculture, seeks to make food systems more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
During the visit, Norwegian Ambassador Espen Lindbæck emphasized Norway’s commitment to supporting Jordan, particularly in hosting refugees and combating climate change through climate-smart agriculture.
“Collaboration is the only way forward,” Lindbæck said, noting the importance of the project in providing knowledge and skills to vulnerable Jordanians and refugees to ensure food security and self-reliance.
The Secretary-General for Agriculture Ministry, Eng. Mohammad AlHiari, highlighted water harvesting as a critical solution to the region’s water shortage issues. He also acknowledged the strong ties between Jordan and Norway, extending beyond political and economic cooperation to humanitarian principles concerning the Syrian crisis.
FAO Representative Eng. Nabil Assaf pointed out the urgency of addressing water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, in one of the world’s most arid countries.
The project ,“Transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems” which is being implemented inTafeilah and Balqa governorates and started November 2022—March 2024 , has set a target of reaching 600 beneficiaries, half of whom are women, with 70% Jordanians and 30% Syrian refugees in host communities. It also aimed to generate employment for 300 workers, aligning with its objectives of fostering efficient, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems.
Activities under the project include training sessions, asset distribution, micro-financing, market access, and job creation, addressing the comprehensive needs of the beneficiaries.
