The Director General of the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Dr. Khaled Abu Hammour, sponsored the project to develop the Jordanian strategic plan for water harvesting and empowerment of youth and women. This project was carried out in collaboration with the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM) and was funded by the government of the Netherlands. The event was attended by Executive Director Dr. Marwan Alraggad, representatives of ministries and official institutions, international and local partners, civil society institutions, as well as representatives from the women and youth sectors.
Dr. Khaled Abu Hammour confirmed that NARC is committed to employing the outcomes of scientific research and transferring modern technologies to serve the agricultural sector and promote sustainable development. This includes activating the role of youth and women through the royal vision for social and economic modernization and unlocking future potential. NARC has worked tirelessly on numerous pioneering agricultural projects aimed at empowering youth and women, particularly through the Agricultural Innovation Entrepreneurship Incubator. This initiative focuses on automating procedures, laboratory services, optimizing the use of natural resources, and utilizing renewable energy.
Dr. Khaled Abu Hammour highlighted that the crisis in neighboring countries has increased pressure on water resources due to high water demand. This situation requires effective water management to ensure sustainability. He emphasized the importance of dialogue among those involved in water harvesting to shape the knowledge framework and support related policies. Abu Hammour confirmed the need to manage water shortages, particularly in dry areas, and to find practical solutions in the field of water harvesting. These efforts align with the Ministry of Agriculture's recent plans, led by Minister Eng. Khaled Al Henefat, to achieve agricultural sustainability.
Dr. Marwan Alraggad, the Executive Director of INWRDAM, emphasized the importance of water harvesting as a constructive solution to the challenges facing the water sector in Jordan. He noted that Jordan has long depended on water harvesting, exemplified by the world-renowned Jawa Dam in the Jordan Badia, one of the oldest water-harvesting dams. He also highlighted that while Jordan receives 8 billion m³ of rainfall annually, its water consumption is only 1.2 billion m³ per year. Despite the rainfall being about six times the consumption, geological and climatic conditions cause most of this water to be lost. This underscores the critical importance of water harvesting in leveraging available water resources.
Dr. Raha Al Assaf, the coordinator of the project at NARC, highlighted that what makes water harvesting particularly effective is its ability to cope with drought. She pointed out that each geographical region in Jordan is characterized by unique resources. Therefore, achieving effective water harvest integration relies on our ability to engage in dialogue and transform these discussions into policies and decisions.