Experts urge 'stronger' gov't support for women in agriculture

AMMAN — Experts urged the government to implement stronger policies to support Jordan's agricultural sector in adapting to climate change, with a particular emphasis on assisting women working in agriculture.

This call to action was made at a conference organised by Tamkeen in partnership with Oxfam, titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Women in Agriculture: Challenges and Solutions.” 

The event shed light on the social, economic, and psychological effects of climate change on female agricultural workers while also assessing both government and civil society efforts to tackle these challenges.

Director of Tamkeen Linda Kalash highlighted that Jordan’s agricultural sector is facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, including rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and droughts. 

These factors have contributed to a significant reduction in agricultural productivity, Kalash said, noting that 88 per cent of women working in agriculture have reported a decline in their output due to these environmental changes.

Kalash also underscored the vital role that agricultural cooperatives play in supporting farmers and helping them adapt to these challenges. 

“These cooperatives are essential in equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge to cope with the ongoing climate shifts,” she said.

A study presented during the conference revealed that 99.1 per cent of female agricultural workers in Jordan are involved in crop cultivation. 

The study also found that 92.3 per cent of women in the sector are aware of the effects of climate change, with rising temperatures (91.9 per cent) and changes in rainfall patterns (73.9 per cent) being the most commonly cited impacts.

Head of the Adaptation Department at the Ministry of Environment Sarah Halaiq highlighted Jordan's national and international climate commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

Halaiq stressed the role of the ministry in monitoring and implementing these obligations, including the National Climate Change Policy (2022-2050). 

"This comprehensive strategy integrates climate resilience measures across various sectors, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience through renewable energy, electric transportation, and sustainable agriculture," she added.

Head of Agricultural Production Value Chain Studies at the Ministry of Agriculture Zainab Hamdan discussed how the ministry utilises over 45 years of climate data, in cooperation with the National Agricultural Research Center and The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to evaluate the impacts of climate change and develop strategies to enhance agricultural resilience.

She pointed out that climate change is leading to higher temperatures, reduced rainfall, and unpredictable precipitation patterns that threaten water resources and agricultural productivity. "In response, the Ministry is implementing climate-smart agricultural projects aimed at boosting production while addressing environmental changes."

Hamdan also stressed the need for advanced infrastructure and substantial investments, calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve long-term results.

During the conference, MP Ali Ghazawi, representing the Parliamentary Committees on Agriculture, Water, Environment, and Climate, emphasised the critical role of rural women as primary providers for their families and significant contributors to the agricultural sector. 

He also highlighted the concerning trend of declining youth participation in agriculture and called for better social and health protections for daily wage workers.