Jerash: A World Bank delegation led by Boutheina Guermazi, Director of Strategy and Operations for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, visited several agricultural projects implemented under the "Ardi" program in Jerash. The delegation, accompanied by Mahmoud Al-Rabee, Director of Investment at the Ministry of Agriculture, inspected various initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural practices.
According to Jordan News Agency, the delegation reviewed projects like Huda Al-Bondoqji's soil-less farming initiative, which is financed by the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC). Al-Bondoqji shared insights into her experience with modern cultivation systems used in her project. The World Bank team commended the initiative for empowering rural women and promoting agricultural innovation in the region.
Director of the Jerash Agriculture Directorate, Ola Mahasneh, discussed the agricultural sector's current challenges, including limited water resources and climate change impacts. She highlighted the "Ardi" program's role in introducing modern agricultural technologies, improving production efficiency, and creating job opportunities for youth in rural areas.
Mohammad Smadi, ACC Assistant Director General, emphasized the institution's support for modern agricultural ventures. He noted that projects like soilless cultivation and water-harvesting technologies showcase Jordan's move towards smart agriculture, enhancing the sector's resilience to climate pressures.
The delegation also visited the Jerash Vocational Training Institute, where they observed a program on hydroponics and practical training for youth in modern crop-management techniques. The briefing detailed how these programs equip young people with skills that meet labor-market demands.
The "Ardi" program has trained approximately 4,200 unemployed young men and women in specialized agricultural fields, improving their employment prospects and supporting rural development. At the conclusion of the visit, the World Bank delegation expressed satisfaction with the program's progress and intended to expand its scope further to support agricultural cooperatives, rural professions, and community empowerment.