EU-funded agricultural grants to support agricultural activities & job creation awarded by FAO

With funding from the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Jordan, in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, awarded vulnerable Jordanian farmers, smallholders and small family-based agri-food enterprises with financial grants. 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.

The awarding ceremony was held in Karak under the Patronage of H.E. Eng. Khaled Al-Hnaifat, Minister of Agriculture, and the EU Deputy Head of Cooperation Ms. Sirpa Tulla.

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: Ma'an, Madaba, Ajloun, Irbid, Balqa, Karak and Tafileh. The awarded projects were selected and evaluated by the project’s Technical Screening Committee, according to the criteria envisioned in the guidelines. The grant covers 85% of the projects’ costs and the costs of five labourers from Syrians refugees and Jordanians host communities.

H.E Minister of Agriculture, Eng. Khaled Al-Hanaifat, confirmed 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 project is being implemented in a number of governorates. He indicated that the ministry will work to sustain cooperation for such projects, which support the ministry's efforts within its current strategy.

The Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Jordan, Ms. 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. Today marks an event that gives the Jordanian agriculture sector an integrated image.”

FAO Representative in Jordan, Eng. 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 socio-economic needs of agricultural sector in Jordan.” He added, “The EU-FAO grant scheme that will support vulnerable farmers, as well as small entrepreneurs to improve their businesses, smallholders in investing in their production assets and practices to boost their production capacity.”

The 300 selected small holders will be trained by MOA 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.