Context
In Jordan, two-thirds of the 160,000 people suffering from food insecurity live in towns, and 13% of the population lives below the poverty line. At the same time, arable land is becoming increasingly limited, in a country where water shortages are a major problem.
Moreover, the galloping and uncontrolled urbanisation of the city of Amman makes it a good testing ground for urban agriculture. Indeed, it is easier to plant and sow in the gaps and spaces left between dwellings.
The official urban agriculture programme of the municipality of Amman was launched in 2006. This could help to reduce poverty, improve living conditions for the inhabitants of the Jordanian capital and boost food security. The project was initiated by an international body, the Resource Centre for Urban Agriculture and Food Security (RUAF), and led by the municipality of Amman.
The project
Although urban vegetable gardens have been present in the city for a long time now, the aim of the municipal programme is to increase and optimise their number. To do this, it provides material support to the local population and runs courses on how to produce as much as possible at a lower cost. For example, the courses teach how to re-use materials (cans, plastic bags, milk cartons, etc.) and how to plant more water-efficient plant species (aromatic plants, for example).
As the third country in the world most affected by water shortages, the municipality of Greater Amman teaches farmers to use water sparingly through different irrigation techniques. For example, they recycle grey water (domestic water that is not very polluted) to irrigate plantations, or recover rainwater.
As the price of land continues to rise, landowners are often tempted to sell it rather than cultivate it. The project can also help to preserve arable land, both in the city and on the outskirts, and to limit the fragmentation of farmland by disseminating farming know-how to the local population.
Who is it for ?
The project is aimed at anyone living in the city who wants to learn more about urban farming techniques, as well as local farmers and producers.
Means
The project is supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Jordanian government.
Results
The success of the urban agriculture programme has encouraged other Jordanian cities to invest in similar projects. The programme has also received support from the Jordanian government. For example, at the end of 2013, the government sold fruit trees at low prices for planting in the municipality of Amman, both to extend green spaces and to strengthen the city's food security. Finally, urban agriculture is fully integrated into the municipality's policy.
Little extra
82% of Jordan's population lives in cities, which means that a large proportion of the population can benefit from this programme, which provides additional income, greater food security and access to fresh, local produce.
Sources
- https://basta.media/Jordanie-l-agriculture-urbaine
- https://www.idrc.ca/fr/recherche-en-action/lagriculture-urbaine-pourrait-accroitre-la-securite-alimentaire-dans-les-pays
This initiative sheet was written by Nadja Camille, LF project manager - February 2023
Last modification : 29 Jun 2023.
Resource centre for urban agriculture and food security (RUAF)
The RUAF Global Partnership on Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Food Systems is a consortium of institutions and individual experts that includes cities, research institutes and NGOs, with recognised track records in urban and peri-urban agriculture and urban food system solutions. The partnership is a platform for learning and knowledge sharing between science, policy and practice around climate resilience and sustainability, city/regional food systems, urban agriculture and urban planning, food policy and governance, employment, equity and social justice, and resources based on recovery and reuse.