Amman, Oct. 15 (Petra) -- The third phase of the Rural Economic Development and Employment Program is set to begin early next year, according to the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO).

Acting Executive Director of JEDCO Dana Al-Zoubi said the new phase will run for six years and aims to strengthen the livelihoods of rural households, especially women and youth without stable sources of income, as well as small producers, farmers, exporters, agricultural companies, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Al-Zoubi explained that the third phase will expand the program to cover all governorates of the Kingdom. Around 30 percent of the program’s resources will be dedicated to initiatives that address climate change adaptation and mitigation, advance the green and circular economy, promote environmentally sustainable projects, enhance food security, and support entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture.

The program aligns with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, focusing on stimulating sustainable growth and job creation in rural areas.

Approximately 7,500 rural families in the country’s most economically challenged regions are expected to benefit from the program. Participants will receive technical guidance, training, and support in meeting quality and compliance standards, alongside marketing and promotion assistance for their products.

The initiative also includes about €2.8 million in non-repayable grants for productive and entrepreneurial agricultural ventures, in addition to €2.9 million in soft loans for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises over the six-year period.

Earlier phases of the program benefited more than 18,000 individuals and created over 7,000 jobs, the majority of which went to women and young people, Al-Zoubi noted.

The Cabinet recently approved the expansion of the project under the Rural Economic Development and Employment Program, which is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with a contribution of $15 million.

The project seeks to build the technical and competitive capacities of small farmers and agricultural enterprises, enabling them to create employment opportunities for youth and women, enhance agricultural productivity, and expand export potential.

It also aims to strengthen the economic resilience of rural families through financial and technical support for farmers, producers, exporters, and agricultural associations, while improving their ability to access markets and promote their products.

Through these efforts, the program is expected to drive inclusive rural growth, boost incomes, and improve living standards for communities across Jordan.

//Petra// RZ