Amman, Jordan – December 4, 2023 – In a significant move to bolster food security and resilience among host communities and Syrian refugees in Jordan, the Government of Italy and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have signed a 990,000 Euro agreement. The initiative, spearheaded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), aims to enhance the efficiency of the agri-food value chain and improve the livelihoods of 200 households in the Balqaa, Jerash, and Ajloun governorates.
The project will empower targeted households by equipping them with the skills necessary to generate self-employment, increase their income, and support their families through nutritional activities. This includes training on transformative technologies in production and market-need assessment.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, H.E. Mr. Khalid Hneifat, Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the Ministry’s efforts in fostering partnerships with international organizations to align with the National Plan for Sustainable Agriculture. He acknowledged FAO’s role in supporting rural development, women’s empowerment, and youth empowerment, particularly in training, capacity building, financing, and market access enhancement.
FAO Representative in Jordan, Nabil Assaf, underscored the significance of capacity building through farmer field schools (FFS) and farmer business schools (FBS), emphasizing FAO’s expertise in these areas. He noted that FAO has successfully integrated FFS into its agricultural development and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to overall food security enhancement.
With 80% of Jordan’s 1.4 million Syrian refugees residing in host communities, the governorates of Balqaa, Jerash, and Ajloun, which host a large number of refugees, face additional challenges due to limited development interventions and support. This project aims to alleviate these pressures by strengthening local service delivery, preserving natural resources, and supporting the local labor market.
H.E. Mr. Luciano Pezzotti, the Ambassador of Italy, reaffirmed the Italian government’s commitment to supporting food security and resilience through agri-food production chains. He expressed confidence that this initiative will promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and the sustainable development of Jordan’s agricultural sector.
The collaboration between Italy and FAO stands as a testament to their dedication to improving the lives of host communities and Syrian refugees in Jordan. By addressing food security and resilience, this project will pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.
From the left: Roxane Weber, Head of AICS Amman Office; H.E. Mr. Khalid Hneifat, Jordanian Minister of Agriculture; Nabil Assaf, FAO Representative in Jordan; H.E. Mr. Luciano Pezzotti, Ambassador of Italy to Jordan.