Norway, FAO launch project for food security, work opportunities in Jordan

AMMAN – The Government of Norway and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, launched a project to promote the sustainability of food security and decent work opportunities in Jordan through the “Transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems” project, funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

In line with the agreement signed by both parties, FAO conducted an inception workshop to acquaint stakeholders and programme partners with the scope and outlines of the project, in addition to covering the implementation strategy and work plan, according to a FAO statement.

Norway's Ambassador to Jordan Espen Lindbæck said: “Norway remains committed to support Jordan’s generous hosting of refugees, in addition to its efforts to ensure food security and to promote decent work opportunities for Jordanians and refugees. Increased food security and sustainable agriculture is also a core priority for Norwegian development policy globally, and FAO is an important partner in this work.”

Agriculture Minister Khalid Hneifat, Lindbæck, FAO Representative in Jordan Nabil Assaf and a group of selected stakeholders and government partners attended the workshop.

The project targets Jordanian and Syrian refugees by enhancing their capacities to successfully participate in an efficient sustainable agri-food system, building their capacities for decent work opportunities and enhancing the resilience of the target groups to poverty and hunger.

Hneifat stressed the importance of the cooperation with international organisations working in the agricultural sector, led by FAO, and supporting countries through rural development and women empowerment.

Assaf said: “There is an urgent need to help the most vulnerable communities face the growing threat of water scarcity in the region as Jordan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the region and in the world, and climate change is further exacerbating its aridity”.

The project will select the beneficiaries based on socio-economic criteria through FAO and community-based organisations involved in the agricultural/agri-food value chains, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture. 

The selection will encourage the inclusion of different community categories, including vulnerable, Syrian refugees, women-headed-houses, people with disabilities and elderly people who are still able to deliver the activities and respond to the objectives of the project. The project will have a particular focus on youth empowerment and enhancing their employment status to ensure sustainable income generation and nutrition status, the statement said.

Overall, the project will target 300 beneficiaries through which 50 per cent will be women, of which 70 per cent will be Jordanians, and 30 per cent will be Syrian refugees in host communities and will create 300 jobs.