Amman, Sept. 29 (Petra) -- Agriculture Minister Saeb Khraisat said investing in rural people is the most sustainable investment and that empowering women, youth and smallholder producers with tools, knowledge and jobs is the foundation for building a food system able to face economic and climate challenges.
Khraisat spoke while attending as patron the closing ceremony of the "Enhancing Food Security and Resilience for Host Communities and Syrian Refugees in Jordan Through Agricultural and Food Production Chains" project.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) implemented the project with funding from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
He added that the ministry will keep working with its partners to expand the impact of such initiatives, strengthen the resilience of rural communities and achieve national food security.
The project supported 133 beneficiaries, including six community organizations in Ajloun, Balqa and Jerash. It provided infrastructure support, training, business mentoring and better market access, focusing on value chains for mushrooms, medicinal and aromatic plants, and honey.
FAO Representative in Jordan Thaer Yaseen said the project showed the impact strong partnerships can have in supporting livelihoods, building resilience and creating economic opportunities for rural communities.
Italian Ambassador to Jordan Pier Zamporlini stressed that the initiative is part of the broad, long-standing partnership between Italy and Jordan. He said it reflects Italy's continued commitment to sustainable development, food security and economic opportunities for rural communities.
FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa AbdulHakim Elwaer, and Rein Paulsen, director of FAO's Office of Emergencies and Resilience also attended. So did government representatives, development partners, cooperatives and community organizations.
//Petra// NQ
