Amman: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in cooperation with the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Jordan, launched the implementation of the Mapping Irrigation Potential and Needs (IRMA) initiative in Jordan. This initiative aims to support sustainable irrigation planning and improve agricultural water management.
According to Jordan News Agency, the launch took place during a two-day national workshop in Amman, supported by the Regional Water Scarcity Initiative (WSI) Program. This program assists nine countries across the Near East and North Africa in addressing water scarcity through sustainable water management and improved agricultural water governance, funded by the governments of Sweden and the Netherlands.
The workshop gathered representatives from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, the JVA, the Water Authority of Jordan, the Ministry of Agriculture, development partners, and FAO technical experts. The purpose was to explore how the IRMA approach can support evidence-based decisions on irrigation development in Jordan.
FAO developed IRMA as a multi-criteria decision-support framework, assessing irrigation potential and needs by combining scientific data and analysis. The approach employs artificial intelligence to map existing irrigated areas and evaluates three main factors: the biophysical suitability of land for irrigation development, irrigation needs in the context of sustainable development priorities, and the benefits of irrigation expansion.
The initiative's goal is to identify areas where irrigation development is technically feasible, economically viable, and aligned with broader food security and development objectives.
For Jordan, which is among the world's most water-scarce countries, improving irrigation efficiency is a critical priority. Agriculture consumes a significant share of the Kingdom's limited water resources, making improved water productivity essential for strengthening water and food security.
Through the Regional WSI Program, FAO is supporting Jordan in improving irrigation water productivity. Tools such as IRMA will aid decision-makers in better allocating resources, prioritizing investments, and planning future irrigation development.
During the workshop, FAO Acting Representative in Jordan Paul Opio highlighted the need for innovative and science-based solutions to address increasing water scarcity, climate change impacts, and rising demand.
"Through the IRMA initiative, FAO is supporting the Government of Jordan with a practical decision-support tool that integrates geospatial, climate, water, and agricultural data to strengthen irrigation planning, prioritize investments, improve water productivity, and promote sustainable management of the country's limited water resources," Opio said.
Secretary-General of the JVA, Hisham Haisa, emphasized that improving irrigation water-use efficiency is a national priority to address Jordan's water scarcity challenges and enhance water and food security. Haisa noted that IRMA would contribute to more efficient water management by using artificial intelligence to support evidence-based planning and investment decisions, while promoting sustainable agricultural development.
Speaking on behalf of the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa, Regional WSI Program Coordinator Mohamed Abdallah stressed that addressing water scarcity requires cooperation among institutions and partners. Abdallah stated that the Regional WSI Program, led by FAO with support from Sweden and the Netherlands, collaborates with international organizations to provide complementary expertise and work closely with national institutions.
"Supporting the implementation of IRMA in Jordan is a natural extension of that partnership, and its success will rest on national ownership and close technical collaboration with the Jordan Valley Authority and its national partners," Abdallah said.
During the workshop, FAO experts presented the four main components of the IRMA approach: mapping irrigated areas using artificial intelligence, assessing biophysical suitability, evaluating development needs, and measuring the benefits of irrigation development. The sessions also included a demonstration of the IRMA digital platform, presentations on international applications and lessons learned, and discussions on Jordan's irrigation sector priorities and future development needs.
The workshop marks a new phase in the longstanding partnership between FAO and the Jordanian government to enhance water security, improve agricultural water management, and strengthen climate resilience through technical cooperation, innovation, and capacity building.