© Shutterstock / Omar Al-Hyari

Jordan

Helvetas has been active in Jordan since 2022 – a country where climate change is particularly noticeable due to severe water shortages. We support small-scale farmers, especially women, to have a secure income.
© Shutterstock / Omar Al-Hyari
  • Capital
    Amman
  • Area
    89,342 km²
  • Poverty rate*
    16% of the population live under the poverty line of $1.90 per day
  • UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX*
    Rank: 102 out of 191
  • Population
    11,200,000,000
  • People supported per year
    800
  • Thematic focus
    Food & Nutrition
    WASH Services
    Climate & Disaster Resilience
    Vocational Skills Development
    Agriculture and Nutrition
    Market Systems Development
* Source: UN Data

Much of Jordan is desert, with little rainfall throughout the year. The extreme heat, prolonged droughts and resulting water shortages place a great burden on the population and the government of Jordan. In the northwest of the country, temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius are measured in the summer; even at night the thermometer falls only slightly below 20 degrees. Rising temperatures demand more and more water, and water scarcity is becoming a potential source of conflict and instability in the region. 

The Coronavirus crisis has further aggravated the situation for people in Jordan; hunger grew and, with it, work in precarious jobs. The average unemployment rate is 22.6 percent. Women and young people are particularly affected, with almost one-third of all women and almost half of all young people currently unemployed (29.4 percent and 46.1 percent respectively for those under 25, as of 2022). 

As a result of the civil war in neighboring Syria, a large number of Syrian refugees are also currently living in Jordan. According to UNHCR, this number is close to 700,000 (as of 2022). Job opportunities for refugees are limited; the best prospects for them are in agriculture. 

© KEYSTONE/AFP/KHALIL MAZRAAWI
A partial view of the Dead Sea, whose water level is dropping dramatically due to a severe drought. Experts say Jordan is currently being hit by one of the worst droughts in its history, but many warn that the worst is yet to come. © KEYSTONE/AFP/KHALIL MAZRAAWI

Strengthening farmers and connecting them to the market 

Helvetas is supporting the economic development of agriculture through various activities in the north of Jordan near the Syrian border. These efforts enable more people to work in agriculture in Jordan and help secure – and even increase – their income, despite the effects of climate change. Sustainable innovations in agriculture and livestock breeding and support in marketing their products are intended to offer smallholder women farmers a long-term perspective. 

Our projects:

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Jordan Migration

Strengthening Jordanian and Syrian small-scale farmers

Climate & Disaster Resilience

Every year, we support over 1,000,000 people in adapting to climate change, reducing the risks of disasters, sustainably managing natural resources, and conserving nature.

Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

In many countries where we work, men and women are unable to claim their rights and participate actively in decision-making processes.

Private Sector Development

Youth need access to reliable, fairly paid jobs to break the cycle of poverty. Helvetas creates partnerships and promotes policies that build more inclusive economies.