The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Jordan officially launched the AGRI-FIT innovation project. The initiative aims to promote inclusive agriculture within the country. The launch event took place under the patronage of Her Excellency Wafaa Bani Mustafa, Minister of Social Development. This high-level patronage noted the national significance and commitment to the project's goals. The project represents a significant step towards fostering agricultural innovation and ensuring that diverse groups benefit from developments in the sector. This new initiative shows a collaborative effort to integrate marginalized communities into Jordan’s vital agricultural landscape.
Empowering Through Soilless Farming
The AGRI-FIT project focuses on advancing innovative, soilless farming solutions in Jordan. These solutions are specifically designed to increase agricultural accessibility, enabling persons with disabilities to actively participate in food production. The initiative seeks to enhance economic empowerment and improve livelihoods for these individuals. Through the adoption of accessible soilless farming techniques, the project aims to create new opportunities for self-sufficiency and income generation. It also aims to strengthen social inclusion, aligning with both national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By addressing barriers to participation, AGRI-FIT endeavors to foster a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone can contribute to and benefit from agricultural development.
Partnership and Vision
The launch event for the AGRI-FIT project was held at the AlMustaqbal Club for Persons with Motor Disabilities. This gathering showed the collaborative spirit behind the initiative. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) articulated its objectives for the project, stating that it aims to scale up innovative models. These models are designed to remove barriers to participation and empower persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to Jordan’s agricultural economy. The FAO emphasizes the importance of these scalable models in creating lasting change and widespread impact across the agricultural sector. Mohammad Sirhan, who serves as the President of the AlMustaqbal Club for Persons with Motor Disabilities, hosted the event. His club is a key partner in implementing the project's vision of inclusive agricultural development, providing invaluable insights and support from the community it represents. The partnership between FAO and the AlMustaqbal Club is central to ensuring the project's interventions are relevant, effective, and sustainable for the target beneficiaries.
Voices of Support and Hope
The project, officially titled “promoting inclusive agriculture in Jordan through accessible soilless farming and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities,” held its launch event on June 10, 2026. This full title reflects the multi-faceted approach of the initiative, combining technological innovation with social and economic objectives. During the event, Her Excellency Wafaa Bani Mustafa, Minister of Social Development, delivered a compelling speech. She emphasized the critical importance of integrating persons with disabilities into the national economy. H.E. Bani Mustafa noted that such integration is not merely a matter of social welfare but a fundamental driver of sustainable development and national prosperity. Her remarks showed the government's commitment to creating an inclusive society where all citizens have the opportunity to thrive. FAO Representative a.i. Paul Opio emphasized the transformative power of inclusive innovation during the launch. Mr. Opio stated, "This initiative is more than a technical solution, it is a proof that when we listen and co-create with persons with disabilities, we can unlock their potential and transform lives." He added that agriculture often remains inaccessible despite being a cornerstone of livelihoods for many communities globally. Mr. Opio concluded that through AGRI-FIT, the organization is demonstrating that innovation can make agriculture open to all, ensuring no one is left behind. This project serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing how targeted interventions can lead to profound societal benefits and economic growth.
