UN recommends strengthening coordination between entities to implement Jordan’s ‘Food Security Strategy’

AMMAN — The United Nations on Monday welcomed Jordan’s adoption of its new National Food Security Strategy, stressing that the move is a major milestone towards ensuring the country’s transition to sustainable food systems.

Achieving food security has been identified by the Jordanian government as a priority of increasingly national importance, which has led to the adoption of the National Food Strategy 2021-2030 and its first Action Plan, according to a UN Jordan statement.

Jordan participated in the UN Food Systems Summit that was called for by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in 2021, leading to the announcement of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub which was recently established in Rome. 

In a policy brief titled “Towards the Implementation of Jordan’s Food Security Strategy”, the UN reports that while Jordan has not yet experienced serious food availability issues, significant challenges including a fragmented legislative framework, the need for improved water use, dependence on imported foods and the socioeconomic consequences of COVID-19, could affect the country’s food security.

Jordan imports nearly $4 billion worth of food and agricultural products annually. The country is resource-poor in water and energy; the annual water share per capita is less than 100 m3.

The strain on Jordan’s food security has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had an impact on all areas, affecting the Sustainable Development Goals set out in the 2030 Agenda.

Figures from the “Jordan Food Security Update: Implications of COVID-19”, showed that among Jordanians, 53 per cent are vulnerable to food insecurity and around 3 per cent of households are food insecure. 

To strengthen food security in Jordan, ensure successful implementation of the National Strategy and its Action Plan, and accelerate realizing the “Zero Hunger Goal” under the  2030 Agenda, the UN recommends:

Strengthening coordination between responsible entities to deliver impactful change with a specific mandate and budget. 

Supporting legal and regulatory reform.

Establishing a food security Management Information System to facilitate data collection, analysis and reporting on food security indicators at the national and sub-national levels.

Enhancing institutional coordination and policy coherence.

Establishing a regional hub for food security.

Supporting small farmers and food producers to adopt water-saving techniques, group marketing and contributions to school feeding.

Minimising food loss and waste.

The brief launched on Monday is the second of a series of policy briefs that aim to inform decision making and ensure synergy with other national and international frameworks.