ICARDA and Jordan Partner to Advance Cooperation on Water and Climate Change Adaptation

Jordan | September 30, 2025 – ICARDA, represented by Director General Aly Abousabaa, and Jordan’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI), represented by Dr. Jihad Al-Mahamid, Secretary-General of MWI, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to intensify cooperation on water and agricultural resource management and strengthen Jordan’s capacity to adapt to drought and climate change challenges.

In Jordan, the world’s second most water-stressed country, limited rainfall and naturally scarce water resources place growing pressure on the balance between food production, sustainable farming, and efficient water management. This balance is further strained by demographic growth, refugee influxes, and the effects of climate change.  

These challenges require a concerted, collaborative effort backed by evidence-based strategies.  This agreement aims to foster collaborative research in agricultural water use and irrigation systems and strengthen human capacity to enable Jordan to optimize water productivity and enhance food security.  

"This agreement represents the next vital chapter in our shared commitment to strengthen Jordan's water security and agricultural resource optimization. As a key partner, ICARDA offers specialized expertise in advancing sustainable dryland agriculture and water resource management, which aligns perfectly with our strategic national needs. We wholeheartedly endorse this partnership and express our gratitude for the continued scientific cooperation that will bring essential, sustainable innovations to our farmers and communities." - Dr. Jihad Al-Mahamid, Secretary General of MWI.  

ICARDA’s collaboration with Jordan spans almost 50 years, dating back to their first agreement in 1977. This new MoU deepens that legacy, reaffirming a mutual commitment to confronting water scarcity and climate pressures through joint research, technological innovation, and capacity development.  

Under this MoU, ICARDA and MWI will collaborate on developing and improving rainfed and conservation agriculture systems, raising water-use efficiency and enhancing water utility performance, as well as advancing water management technologies and digital innovations such as geoinformatics and big data. The partnership will also focus on conducting drought studies, rainwater harvesting, and managed aquifer recharge (MAR), promoting climate change adaptation strategies that integrate gender and youth perspectives. In addition to strengthening human capacity by providing training, facilitating joint workshops, and promoting research exchange programs.

Pointing out practical areas where ICARDA's support will be most impactful, Dr. Jihad Al-Mahamid underscored promoting the use of treated wastewater in agriculture and optimizing its use, mobilizing resources for initiatives like rooftop water harvesting and cloud seeding, as well as developing reliable seasonal climate forecasts, which are essential for planning water allocation across sectors and preparing emergency response measures.

To maintain progress in sustainable agriculture and water management practices that benefit Jordanian farmers and the broader agricultural sector, the MoU will remain in effect for four years, supporting efforts to enhance resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of climate challenges.

As part of his visit, Director General Aly Abousabaa joined the conference on ‘Sustainable Agriculture for Comprehensive Food Security through Climate-Smart Practices,’ alongside national and international partners. He also met with NARC Director General Professor Dr. Ibrahim Al-Rawashdeh, in the presence of former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Mahmoud Al-Dwairi, to discuss applied research priorities. Discussions focused on key areas including the national seed bank, water harvesting, climate adaptation, and the integration of modern agriculture technologies such as AI and mechanization to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Rawashdeh, Director General of NARC, noted that the cooperation between NARC and ICARDA has been ongoing since the center’s establishment. He explained that the center is building on their joint efforts in rainwater harvesting and climate adaptation and looked forward to elevating the partnership through national programs in genetic improvement and the integration of modern technologies to boost land-use efficiency and food security.  

The visit wrapped up with a tour of the National Seed Bank, where Director General Aly Abousabaa praised its impressive facilities and emphasized the bank’s pivotal role in conserving genetic resources and ensuring their sustainable use for future generations. The National Center for Agricultural Research (NARC) expressed interest in specialized training on seed utilization and pre-seeding research, to ensure the national seed bank is optimally used to advance national agricultural development goals.

ICARDA and its Jordanian partners reaffirm their commitment to a resilient water future, supporting farmers’ livelihoods and strengthening food and water security across the country’s drylands.

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