jordan pulse -

Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat met on Tuesday with Sheri Ritsema-Anderson, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jordan, to discuss expanding cooperation in food security and sustainable agricultural systems in line with national priorities.

The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships regarding climate change adaptation, improving food value chain efficiency, and integrating policies that support the agricultural sector according to international best practices.

Central to the discussions was the implementation of a comprehensive national digital database for farmers a strategic project aimed at building a robust digital infrastructure for Jordan's agriculture.

Khraisat outlined the project’s objectives, which include establishing a unified national digital platform that grants farmers digital identities. This platform will link agricultural data regarding natural resources, production, markets, and services to enhance data-driven planning and decision-making.

The minister noted that the project is a cornerstone of the sector’s digital transformation. He emphasized its role in bolstering food security, improving the efficiency of government support, and expanding access to financing and insurance. Additionally, the database is expected to improve responses to climate challenges and encourage the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.

Khraisat added that the initiative will provide a reliable national database to ensure transparency and improve the quality of services provided to farmers, ultimately leading to a more efficient and sustainable agricultural sector.

For her part, Ritsema-Anderson affirmed the UN’s readiness to provide the necessary technical and institutional support for the project. She highlighted the UN’s expertise in digital agriculture, data governance, climate services, and financial inclusion as key assets that will be leveraged to ensure integration among various UN agencies operating in the Kingdom.

The two sides discussed proposed cooperation mechanisms, including developing digital infrastructure, building institutional capacity, and ensuring the integration of existing national systems. The project is expected to be implemented in phases before reaching a full national scale.

Both officials underscored the importance of expanding partnerships with donors, financing institutions, and scientific research centers to mobilize resources and ensure national ownership and long-term sustainability. The UN Resident Coordinator’s office will play a central role in unifying efforts between UN organizations and relevant stakeholders.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain technical coordination in the coming phase to ensure the project’s launch follows a participatory approach that achieves tangible developmental impact on Jordan's food security.

//Petra// AF