Amman, Sept. 29 (Petra) — Agriculture Minister Saeb Khraisat said
investing in rural people is the most sustainable investment and that
empowering women, youth and smallholder producers with tools,
knowledge and jobs is the foundation for building a food system able
to face economic and climate challenges.

Khraisat spoke while attending as patron the closing ceremony of the
“Enhancing Food Security and Resilience for Host Communities and
Syrian Refugees in Jordan Through Agricultural and Food Production
Chains” project.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
implemented the project with funding from the Italian Agency for
Development Cooperation.

He added that the ministry will keep working with its partners to
expand the impact of such initiatives, strengthen the resilience of
rural communities and achieve national food security.

The project supported 133 beneficiaries, including six community
organizations in Ajloun, Balqa and Jerash. It provided infrastructure
support, training, business mentoring and better market access,
focusing on value chains for mushrooms, medicinal and aromatic
plants, and honey.

FAO Representative in Jordan Thaer Yaseen said the project showed the
impact strong partnerships can have in supporting livelihoods,
building resilience and creating economic opportunities for rural
communities.

Italian Ambassador to Jordan Pier Zamporlini stressed that the
initiative is part of the broad, long-standing partnership between
Italy and Jordan. He said it reflects Italy’s continued commitment to
sustainable development, food security and economic opportunities for
rural communities.

FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol, Assistant Director-General
and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa
AbdulHakim Elwaer, and Rein Paulsen, director of FAO’s Office of
Emergencies and Resilience also attended. So did government
representatives, development partners, cooperatives and community
organizations.

//Petra// NQ