WFP expands support for farmers amid rising climate challenges

The World Food Programme (WFP) said on Saturday that it has expanded cooperation with Jordanian institutions to support the agriculture sector as it faces growing climate challenges.

In partnership with the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management, WFP said is assisting in the preparation of a national drought monitoring report for the 2024–2025 season, while implementing initiatives to strengthen farmers’ resilience, according to a WFP statement.

The WFP also highlighted efforts focused on equipping farmers with financial and technical tools to adapt to shifting weather patterns. A key intervention has been the introduction of low-interest loans through the Agricultural Credit Corporation, developed with WFP’s technical support, to help farmers modernise practices, increase productivity, and safeguard livelihoods amid climate uncertainty.

Training has also been central to the programme. Nearly 450 farmers, agri-food companies and cooperatives in Jerash, Mafraq and Balqa have been trained to access these loans and adopt sustainable methods, steps that, WFP said, would make farms “more resilient while opening pathways for long-term growth”.

The programme further promotes the use of water-efficient technologies. Drip irrigation systems have been installed in eight farms in Jerash and Irbid, while more than 120 farms have adopted adaptive agricultural techniques to conserve resources, improve yields and reduce fertiliser use.

For farmers, the results are tangible. “Having access to affordable loans gives me the chance to invest in equipment that would otherwise be out of reach,” said Ahmed Khalil, a farmer from Jerash. “It helps lower my production costs and ensures I can bring more produce to market.”

Others pointed to stability. “In previous years, droughts meant we lost much of our harvest and income,” said Huda Majali from Balqa. “With modern irrigation and sustainable methods, I can protect my crops and make sure my family has a steady source of earnings.”

At the national level, WFP continues to support the National Technical Committee on Drought by providing technical and logistical assistance for the forthcoming monitoring report. The report will use the PRISM platform to track drought impacts in real time, assess risks and provide seasonal forecasts.