AMMAN — More than 10,500 people have benefited from the “20 Dunums for Change” (20D4C) initiative, which has strengthened rural livelihoods, promoted safer working conditions and supported child protection in northern Jordan.

 

The project’s achievements were marked on Thursday at a closing event in Amman attended by Ambassador of France to Jordan Franck Gellet and representatives of Jordanian institutions and implementing partners.

 

Supported by France through Agence française de développement (AFD), 20D4C was implemented in the governorates of Irbid and Mafraq by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), in partnership with Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, Jordan River Foundation (JRF) and Save the Children Jordan, according to a French embassy statement.

 

It forms part of the wider Agricultural Livelihoods Project in Northern Jordan (ALPIN), through which France supports more productive, sustainable and inclusive agricultural livelihoods.

 

The initiative responded to challenges facing rural communities, including water scarcity, limited income opportunities and difficult working conditions.

 

By combining climate-smart farming practices, access to economic opportunities, labour rights and child protection, the partners sought to make agricultural livelihoods more secure and resilient.

 

The results reflect this integrated approach. Helvetas supported 840 smallholder farmers and women herders in adopting climate-smart practices and strengthening their access to markets.

 

JRF established 155 community-managed savings and loan groups, bringing together more than 2,290 members, and supported the creation of two agricultural business cooperatives.

 

NRC provided more than 5,340 agricultural workers with information and assistance on labour rights and decent work.

 

Save the Children Jordan supported 850 children through protection activities and helped more than 770 children enrol in or return to education, while engaging families and employers in efforts to prevent child labour.

 

Speaking at the event, representing the minister of agriculture, Assistant Secretary-General for Projects and Rural Development Khalid Haisa said this project marked the culmination of concerted and collaborative efforts to strengthen food security and enhance the resilience of rural communities in Jordan by empowering and supporting cooperatives, smallholder farmers, and agricultural workers, while improving agri-food production and value chains in the governorates of Irbid and Mafraq.

 

Gellet said: “Jordan is an essential partner for France, and agriculture plays a vital role in supporting communities, creating jobs, ensuring food security and managing water resources. Over the past three years, France has been proud to support the 20 Dunums for Change project, which has helped farmers and local communities in northern Jordan strengthen their skills, improve their livelihoods and promote better working conditions.”

 

“Throughout this effort, Jordanian host communities have remained at the heart of our support. France will continue to stand alongside Jordan in developing a stronger and more resilient agricultural sector,” added the ambassador.

 

Ghaida Qudah, NRC Country Director in Jordan, said: “20 Dunums for Change has demonstrated the power of partnership in delivering meaningful change.”

 

“Together, we’ve shown how inclusive and sustainable agricultural development can support Jordan’s priorities for rural development, with lasting benefits for both Jordanians and refugees. We look forward to seeing communities continue to build on these foundations,” Qudah added.

 

Beyond the immediate results, the project has helped strengthen cooperation among agricultural stakeholders, local organisations and public institutions.

 

The partnerships and skills developed over the past three years provide a foundation for sustaining progress in rural communities, improving decent work and expanding economic opportunities in Jordan.

 

AFD implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world, according to the statement.