FAO and WFP supports national efforts in developing the national food security strategy action plan

The National Committee for Food Security, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme (WFP), successfully concluded a 2-day workshop to discuss and endorse the National Food Security Strategy action plan.

This action plan is based on five main areas covering the availability, access, utilization, stability, in addition to the governance of food security.

The workshop was held under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Khaled Hunaifat, Minister of Agriculture, and attended by a group of high-level partners and stakeholders in Jordan including public and private sectors, civil societies, donors and UN organizations.

This workshop is the next step in the development of Jordan’s national food security strategy and building the action plan in a participative and cooperative approach, involving all concerned institutions and stakeholders.

The National Food Security Strategy was initially approved by the National Committee for Food Security on May 2021, and will enable Jordan to develop and implement regulatory and policy frameworks that will facilitate growth and prosperity while enhancing Jordan’s role as a center for peace and stability in the region.

H.E Engineer Khaled Hunaifat, Minister of Agriculture in Jordan, said that

“This workshop is the culmination of the hard work of the different task forces that have addressed all components of the strategy and the executive plan. These committees have involved all relevant stakeholders and held more than forty meetings during the preparation period of the plan; today’s workshop is the conclusion of this process."

"I would like to thank all organizations that have been involved, as well as the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations who have provided advice and technical and logistical support throughout the preparation of the strategy and the action plan.” He added. 

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in Jordan, Nabil Assaf

“FAO is committed to provide the needed support to Jordan through transformation to more efficient inclusive resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better environment, better nutrition, and a better life, Leaving no one behind”.

He confirmed that availability, access, utilization and stability of food are the four pillars for food security where FAO provides its support to the Government”. He stressed that FAO accompanies the Government of Jordan in embodying the vision of His Majesty the King that the issue of food security receives special attention and priority in Jordan, where His Majesty focused on several topics that call for reflection and in-depth consideration of them and taking appropriate measures”

“At this time of global change, it is essential to ensure access to safe, stable, affordable, and nutritious supply of food for everyone in Jordan at all times and WFP is committed to support the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the National Food Security Strategy, working with the Royal Court and the Government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture as well as other partners to reach this goal,”

Said Alberto Correia Mendes, Representative and Country Director for WFP in Jordan. “The strategy to enhance national food systems aligns with both the global sustainable development goal of achieving zero hunger and WFP's core mandate.” Mendes added. 

The COVID-19 pandemic came at a time when food systems were already under strain from natural disasters such as floods and prolonged periods of drought, climate change, and other shocks.

It has revealed extreme inequities and inefficiencies in the food system which depends on thousands of food producers and processors, many of whom have very low incomes as well as the problems for the more vulnerable people in Jordan to afford decent food. All aspects of food security are therefore crucial to Jordan given they are essential to human dignity and national security.