FAO and Spain conclude project enhancing food security and water resilience in Ma’an and Karak

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Jordan, in partnership with the Government of Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), today marked the successful conclusion of the project: “Enhancing food security through adaptation to climate change and water scarcity in Ma’an and Karak Governorates.”

The closing ceremony was held in Petra under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Saeb Khreisat, Minister of Agriculture, and in the presence of H.E. the Spanish Ambassador to Jordan, Mr. Miguel de Lucas, alongside representatives from the Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority, project beneficiaries, and various government and stakeholder partners.

The project’s core objective was to significantly improve the food security and livelihoods of vulnerable rural communities in Ma’an and Karak Governorates, while simultaneously contributing to vital water conservation through sustainable management practices. The project focused on empowering local rural communities suffering from poverty through direct capacity building and the provision of essential agricultural tools.

On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Professor Ibrahim Al-Rawashdeh, Director General of the National Agricultural Research Center , stated, "We affirm our unlimited support for agricultural modernization pathways, enhancing the capacity of our national institutions to face climatic challenges, and empowering farmers by providing them with modern tools and technologies, in alignment with the Supreme Royal Directives to prioritize food security and enhance the efficiency of natural resource utilization. The conclusion of this project, in collaboration with the FAO and the Spanish Government, is a tangible example of the impact of strategic partnerships in improving the livelihoods and increasing the income of small farmers."

The project delivered tangible, high-impact results directly benefiting farmers and communities. FAO Representative in Jordan, Eng. Nabil Assaf, underscored the long-term vision of the intervention, stating, “This successful collaboration with the Government of Spain and the Ministry of Agriculture demonstrates FAO’s deep commitment to building resilient and sustainable agri-food systems in Jordan. By focusing on adapting to climate change and enhancing local water management, we are empowering vulnerable rural communities to secure their future livelihoods.”

The achievements included providing cash grants to build 30 rainwater harvesting wells across Ma’an and Karak. The collected water is utilized directly for farming and irrigation, bolstering local water resources and minimizing irrigation costs for small and medium-sized farmers. Furthermore, grants facilitated the establishment of 8 innovative Hydroponic systems, enabling beneficiaries to produce high-value crops year-round, generate new value chains, and sell their products in local markets. To enhance energy resilience, the project supplied and installed 18 Photovoltaic Solar Panel systems. This investment significantly reduced energy costs for local farmers, enhanced their livelihoods, and ensured the sustainable use of natural resources. 

Finally, capacity building was a central pillar, with the project successfully delivering 10 Farmer Business Schools that trained 50 farmers in Ma’an and Karak on modern farm management techniques to improve their income generation and financial sustainability.

H.E. Mr. Miguel de Lucas, the Spanish Ambassador to Jordan, highlighted, “Today, we celebrate not an end but a beginning. The systems installed, the capacities built, and the partnerships strengthened will continue delivering impact long after this ceremony. Spain remains firmly committed to supporting Jordan in its efforts to build resilient rural communities and to protect its precious natural resources.”

The closing ceremony celebrated the joint efforts of all partners and affirmed a shared commitment to supporting Jordan’s most vulnerable communities in achieving self-reliance and environmental sustainability.