Amman: National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) and the University of Florida, in partnership with the University of Jordan, explored opportunities to develop research collaboration in agricultural modeling, smart agriculture, and decision support tools. This cooperation aims to enhance resilience of agricultural systems to climate change, improve efficiency of natural resource management, and bolster food security in Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, discussions focused on integrating agricultural models and climate data to assess crop responses to climatic conditions and various management practices. The meeting, chaired by NARC Director General, Dr. Zakaria Musallam, was attended by Dr. Gerrit Hochenbaum from the University of Florida, Dr. Ayman Suleiman from the University of Jordan, Assistant Director General for Research Affairs, Dr. Abeer Balawneh, and several directors and researchers specializing in environment, climate change, water, soil, and field crops.
The participants also addressed ways to develop scientific decision support tools to assist researchers, policymakers, and farmers in selecting the "most efficient and appropriate" agricultural practices for local conditions. Additionally, the meeting explored opportunities for joint research projects, exchange of expertise and researchers, and capacity building.
It focused on developing scientific expertise in implementing agricultural models and digital technologies, as well as preparing joint research for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and developing competitive proposals for international funding. Concluding the discussions, attendees committed to continued technical coordination among research teams to identify priority issues, exchange data and scientific knowledge, and forge feasible joint research activities and proposals.
These initiatives will combine global expertise with local knowledge and existing research infrastructure, which would support national capacity building and enhance Jordan's presence in international agricultural research and innovation networks.