JRF Project Empowering Micro Farmers Launched in Mafraq,Irbid

AMMAN – The Jordan River Foundation (JRF) has announced the launch of "20 Dunums for Change"; a project designed to empower micro farming communities in Irbid and Mafraq. The launch event was held under the patronage of Irbid and Mafraq Governors Mr. Radwan Al-Atoum and Mr. Salman Al-Najada.

Under the project, JRF will work with relevant community organizations, micro farmers, and agricultural workers in Irbid and Mafraq to help enhance their vocational and entrepreneurial skills and help promote the adoption of smart farming techniques to boost production volumes of agricultural produce, which in in turn would address food security challenges in both governorates. 

Targeting Jordanians and Syrian refugees, the project is part of a strategic partnership between JRF and the Norwegian Refugee Council, with funding and support from the French Development Agency (AFD). Additional partners include Helvetas Switzerland, Save the Children Foundation, Tamkeen Association and the Legal Aid Center.

JRF will sign partnership agreements with 10 charitable and community based organizations endorsed by the Ministry of Social Development. These partnerships aim to establish 150 saving and lending groups, and train group members in financial literacy, project management and monitoring, which in turn would help micro farmers secure sustainable livelihoods.

These groups will be mentored and monitored by partner associations along with JRF; eventually helping beneficiaries qualify for job opportunities in agriculture or establish agricultural projects of their own.

JRF continues to seek sustainable solutions that are designed to leverage commercial activity within the agriculture sector, especially in light of the economic challenges facing farmers in rural areas. The foundation adopts a comprehensive approach that takes into account the socio-economic and demographic nature of targeted populations.