Agricultural Resource Management Project - Phase II

A community-based participatory approach is at the core of this project, which builds on a first phase, the Agricultural Resource Management Project in the Governorates of Karak and Tafila, closed in 2003. The second phase of the project directly benefits 75 per cent of the total rural population of the southern highlands, one of Jordan's poorest regions, by improving food and water security and income levels. Poverty in the area affects mainly farmers and landless people, particularly women. Although only 10 per cent of farmers are women, because few women own agricultural land, the proportion of women is high among landless people and other disadvantaged groups involved in the project.

To promote community development and efficient use and improved management of soil and water resources, the project adopts a community-based participatory approach. In partnership with the project, communities themselves elaborate and implement their own village development programmes, and establish criteria for identifying poor and disadvantaged households. The project provides technical and financial support for soil and water conservation and improved agricultural production. It promotes sustainable land and water management practices and environmental monitoring by participants. The project supports rural microfinance for on and off-farm activities and works to strengthen the capacity of local institutions.

Source: IFAD