Jordan Receives Rainwater Harvesting Sites Nationwide Amid Climate Challenges

Strategic Insights -

Jordan's Ministry of Water and Irrigation, along with the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA), has taken a significant step in addressing climate change by receiving multiple rainwater harvesting sites across the country. Implemented through the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM), these projects boast a storage capacity of 2.1 million cubic meters, marking a substantial effort towards optimizing rainwater collection and storage in line with the country's strategic plan (2023-2024) and the Economic Modernization Vision. The projects aim to enhance living conditions, the environment, and job opportunities through pioneering agricultural and livestock projects, as well as tourism investments aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment.

Key Takeaways:

  • **Investment in Rainwater Harvesting:** The INWRDAM implemented rainwater harvesting sites across Jordan, focusing on areas with potential rainfall, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation.
  • **Capacity Expansion:** The projects have a total storage capacity of 2.1 million cubic meters, making them a crucial step in enhancing Jordan's rainwater collection and storage capabilities.
  • **Empowering Communities:** Minister of Water, Raed Abu Soud, emphasized the importance of direct community involvement in water management, empowering women and youth to ensure sustainable future practices.
  • **Impact on Environment and Livelihoods:** The projects will significantly contribute to rehabilitating agricultural and pastoral lands, creating attractive conditions for livestock breeding, and providing job opportunities for youth and local residents.
  • **Partnerships and Collaborations:** The Dutch Embassy in Jordan, through its ambassador Stella Kluth, emphasized the importance of the partnership between Jordan and the Netherlands in addressing shared water challenges and promoting sustainable development practices.
  • **Training and Capacity Building:** The INWRDAM has implemented various training programs, offering 1,200 opportunities to the public, with specific training valued at 1,800 university students and six environmental journalists.

Statistics:

  • **Storage Capacity:** The total storage capacity of the implemented projects is 2.1 million cubic meters.
  • **Job Creation:** The projects have provided 280 jobs, with a direct benefit to the local communities through the establishment of farms and field schools.
  • **Community Reach:** The water harvesting sites have been implemented in an effort to serve 120,000 citizens directly, through irrigating 70,000 trees and providing drinking water for 87,000 heads of livestock.
  • **Training Opportunities:** A total of 1,200 training opportunities have been made available to the public, promoting environmental media awareness and agricultural practices.

Sources:

  • [Jordan News Agency], "Ministry of Water and Irrigation Receives Rainwater Harvesting Sites Nationwide Amid Climate Challenges", 21 Sep 2025.
  • Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM).
  • Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Jordan.