Madaba, Aug. 2 (Petra) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has graduated 200 women who completed a specialized training program on climate change adaptation under the "Building Resilience to Cope With Climate Change in Jordan through Improving Water Use Efficiency in the Agriculture Sector (BRCCJ)" project.
The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by FAO in cooperation with Alhalat Developing C.O. Graduation ceremonies were held simultaneously in the four project governorates of Madaba, Karak, Tafilah and Ma'an, with the participation of officials, representatives of partner organizations and members of the local community.
Project Manager Maisoon Zoubi said the training program is one of the project's main activities and forms part of a plan to establish a network of 400 women working in climate change adaptation across the four governorates. She said the graduation of 200 participants marks the completion of the first phase of that objective, with the trainees expected to contribute to raising awareness of sustainable climate practices in their communities.
Zoubi said Jordan is facing increasing climate-related challenges, including water scarcity, rising temperatures and recurring droughts, which affect the agricultural sector, food security and livelihoods, particularly in rural areas.
Karak Agriculture Director Mamoun Al-Adayleh said strengthening the role of rural women in development is an important element of sustainable agricultural development. He said the program provides participants with knowledge and skills to promote climate-smart agricultural practices and increase awareness of climate change adaptation.
Mamoun Bqour, Director of Alhalat Developing C.O, said the training was delivered through an interactive approach using specialized materials developed under the project to prepare participants to transfer knowledge and apply climate adaptation practices within their communities.
Deputy Chair of the Greater Karak Municipality Committee Maisoon Mubaideen said investment in women's capacity-building in climate change adaptation contributes to sustainable development and benefits families and local communities.
One of the participants, Shorouq Owaisat, said the training highlighted that climate change affects all segments of society and requires broad participation. She added that she intends to use the knowledge and experience gained through the program to raise awareness among other women in her community.
The first phase of the program included 200 participants: 52 from Karak, 50 from Madaba, 50 from Tafilah and 48 from Ma'an. The training was delivered over 30 training days across a two-month period using materials developed specifically for the project.
The project is implemented by FAO with funding from the Green Climate Fund, in partnership with the ministries of Water and Irrigation, Agriculture and Environment, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
//Petra// WH
