IUCN launches 'Smart Desert' project in Northern Badia

AMMAN — The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on Wednesday launched the Smart Development of Eco-Friendly Solutions and Economic Regional Agricultural Techniques (Smart Desert) project to support a number of agricultural projects in the northern Badia region, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The project, funded by the French Development Agency (AfD), aims to improve income and working conditions of Jordanians and Syrian refugees working in the agricultural sector in the governorates of Mafraq, Zarqa and Irbid.

The IUCN's project manager, Ali Hayajneh, said that it seeks to create new job opportunities in the agricultural sector and improve the working conditions of farmers and workers in the sector in the northeastern Badia.

The project integrates smart technologies to develop the agricultural sector in all stages of production and the supply chain. The project, which was launched during a ceremony held in the Greater Mafraq Municipality, will provide support for 500 household and agricultural projects and 200 farms in the northern Badia, according to Hayajneh.