Tafileh, June 14 (Petra) -- Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat on Sunday signed an annex to the "Women's Economic Participation in Floriculture in Tafileh" project, aimed at boosting women's economic empowerment and promoting sustainable agricultural development in the governorate.

The project, funded by the India, Brazil and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA Fund), will be implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and UN Women, with a total budget of approximately $1.917 million, according to a ministry statement.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, attended by Tafileh Governor Sultan Al-Madi, South African Ambassador Tselane Mokuena and representatives of UN Women Jordan, Khraisat said the project supports the ministry's efforts to implement its national strategy for agricultural sector development and sustainable rural growth.

He said the initiative aligns with the 2026-2029 Executive Program of the Economic Modernization Vision, which focuses on reducing poverty and unemployment, economically empowering rural women, developing local communities and enhancing the sustainable use of Tafileh's natural resources.

Khraisat described the project as a model for cooperation between national institutions and international organizations, praising the role of UN agencies, particularly UN Women, in supporting government initiatives with developmental, environmental and agricultural dimensions.

For his part, UN Women Jordan Representative Nicolas Burnait said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment through the green economy, local innovation and international cooperation, helping expand economic opportunities and foster inclusive and sustainable growth.

He stressed the importance of strengthening South-South cooperation through the exchange of development expertise and knowledge, translating them into tangible outcomes that benefit local communities and support Jordan's national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Project officials outlined its development, economic, social and agricultural objectives, highlighting plans to establish a specialized floriculture and horticulture center in Tafileh.

The center will integrate cut-flower production, green plants and supporting crops to diversify high-value agricultural exports and create suitable employment opportunities for women and youth.

The project will also introduce climate-smart agricultural systems to improve water-use efficiency and strengthen the sustainability of agricultural production. It's expected to directly and indirectly benefit around 500 people through capacity-building, training and income-generation programs.

The project is projected to create 248 direct and indirect economic opportunities, including 148 new income-generating opportunities, while supporting 200 existing agricultural entrepreneurs in climate-smart agriculture and water-efficient farming practices.

//Petra// NQ