Jordan serves as a model for food security and strategic grain storage amid global crises, said Director General of the Jordan Cooperative Corporation, Abdul Fattah Shalabi, on Monday, urging the region to establish a food security observatory to support preparedness during conflicts.
Speaking at the “Strategic Dialogue on Cooperative Development to Transform Rural and Agri-Food Systems in the Near East and North Africa,” organized by the International Cooperative Alliance and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Shalabi emphasized cooperatives’ crucial role in tackling food security challenges, especially those linked to climate change. He highlighted the contributions of women’s cooperatives in addressing water scarcity and advancing food processing capabilities.
Shalabi noted that Jordan has navigated a complex intersection of food security, climate change, and refugee influxes by investing in scientific research, reclaiming agricultural lands, and supporting self-reliance initiatives for farmers
. The Kingdom has also promoted resource optimization, adopted modern production technology, and provided accessible capital for agricultural ventures.
He outlined ongoing projects to enhance agricultural resilience, including establishing development initiatives, constructing dams and wells, and offering farmers soft loans. Additionally, specialized agricultural cooperatives have received substantial support to resolve challenges in marketing, packaging, storage, and crop loss.
Highlighting partnerships with both local and international organizations, Shalabi noted that the Jordan Cooperative Corporation prioritizes sustainable agriculture and food security through resource-sharing, market access, and collective bargaining within cooperatives.
The Director General underscored that cooperatives remain essential to agricultural growth and food security, supporting poverty alleviation, job creation, and enhanced food supply across Jordan.
This strategic dialogue follows the outcomes of the 11th Ministerial
Cooperative Conference of Asia-Pacific and North Africa, hosted by Jordan’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Jordanian Cooperative Corporation in cooperation with the Asia-Pacific Cooperative Alliance in the Dead Sea region last April.
Source: Jordan News Agency