FAO awards EU-funded grants to support agricultural activities

AMMAN — With funding from the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Jordan on Monday awarded vulnerable Jordanian farmers, smallholders and small family-based agri-food enterprises with financial grants. 

The project was carried out in cooperation the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, according to a FAO statement.

The grants, that were awarded to successful project proposals, will allow the recipients from across Jordan to implement agricultural activities and job creation programmes for Syrian refugees and Jordanians host communities.

This support programme is within the framework of the EU-funded Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis (MADAD) project “Enhancing resilient livelihoods and food security of host communities and Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon through the promotion of sustainable agricultural development”. 

The call for proposal was launched in September 2021 through the Ministry of Agriculture website, with the aim of supporting Climate Smart Agricultural – CSA initiatives targeting specific locations in seven governorates: Maan, Madaba, Ajloun, Irbid, Balqa, Karak and Tafileh. 

The grant covers 85 per cent of the projects’ costs and the costs of five labourers from Syrians refugees and Jordanians host communities. 

During the ceremony in Karak, Agriculture Minister Khalid Hneifat said that this project is in line with the National Plan for Sustainable Agriculture, which supports pioneering projects for youth, as well as projects that support rural communities and empower women. 

The Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Jordan Sirpa Tulla said that “the signing of these first grants agreements under this project is beyond symbolism. It is a moment that reflects hope for farmers, and it shows the agricultural sector to look outward, focusing on its potential as a producer of desired commodities and produce”.

FAO Representative in Jordan Nabil Assaf said: “FAO is glad to be in the forefront of the implementation of the ‘MADAD FUND’  and contribute with our partners WFP and IFAD to addresses the socioeconomic needs of agricultural sector in Jordan.” 

The 300 selected small holders will be trained by the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO through Farmers Field Schools.

The 1,500 Syrian and Jordanian workers hired by the farmers to create assets under this initiative will also receive WFP “Cash for Work” cash assistance, according to the statement.