Jordan

Jordan faces severe water scarcity, worsened by rapid population growth, climate change, and overuse of limited groundwater. With per capita water availability at just 61 m³/year—well below the global threshold of 500 m³/year—Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries. Agriculture, which consumes 48% of the countryapos;s freshwater, is particularly affected. The sector relies on inefficient irrigation, leading to low water productivity, especially in the highlands, where productivity is only JOD 0.36 per m³, much lower than the potential achievable with Water Saving Technologies (WSTs).Several challenges hinder the adoption of WSTs, including financial constraints, limited extension services, technical gaps, and unequal access, particularly for smallholders and marginalized communities. The lack of pre- and post-installation support from WST suppliers and extension services limits the effectiveness of these technologies. Without adequate guidance, many farmers struggle to integrate them into their farming practices, preventing full utilization. Therefore, aligning farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) with water conservation goals is essential for the successful adoption of WSTs. To address these challenges, research and tailored support are crucial. Researchers can identify obstacles to WST adoption, while practitioners can offer targeted support to overcome these issues. Policymakers can create policies that encourage WST adoption through financial incentives, education, and research. Education and awareness campaigns can help farmers understand the benefits of WSTs, while financial mechanisms, like subsidies or low-interest loans, can make these technologies more accessible.A farmer-centric approach is key to driving adoption. A Market Systems Development (MSD) strategy, which improves the entire market system surrounding WSTs, can promote wider adoption. Peer learning, where farmers share experiences and knowledge, can boost confidence in these technologies. Extension services play an important role by providing ongoing support and helping farmers adapt technologies to their needs. In conclusion, overcoming barriers to WST adoption and aligning farmers’ practices with water conservation goals is crucial for Jordan’s agricultural sustainability. With targeted education, financial support, and strong extension services, Jordan can ensure long-term water security and agricultural productivity.

Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world and hosts the second-highest share of refugees per capita in the world. A fast-increasing population, rapid urbanization, and extreme weather-related hazards, such as drought and flash floods, compound the risks to already vulnerable refugee-hosting communities in Jordan. The Jordanian government as well as humanitarian and development organizations have committed to addressing these challenges by prioritizing the design and implementation of disaster risk management models which include early warning/early action and anticipatory action strategies for climate response and resilience. To design and implement disaster preparedness strategies that are sustainable and inclusive, research on the specific vulnerabilities of communities is needed. This research report provides data on climate- and water-related vulnerabilities in refugee-hosting communities in Northern Jordan to inform disaster risk management, anticipatory action, and emergency preparedness strategies that improve long-term adaptation and climate resilience. The project is titled Anticipatory Approaches in Host Communities for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Mitigation (AHEAD), and is part of the CGIAR Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration, which aims to address challenges in livelihood, food and climate security for vulnerable populations in fragile and conflict-affected areas. Research for this report was conducted in Irbid and Ramtha municipalities in Irbid Governorate in Northern Jordan over the course of four months. The research included a desk review of relevant literature and national policies, as well as interviews with key informants and stakeholders. This study presents a qualitative analysis of how the specific vulnerabilities of refugee-hosting communities can impact the refugee-hosting community needs during an extreme weather-related disaster, such as flash flooding in this case. Specifically, the study analyzed how climate change and water scarcity, urbanization, and socio-economic risks compound vulnerabilities in refugee-hosting communities. Mapping out these risks is the starting point for designing more inclusive and sustainable disaster risk management models and anticipatory action approaches. Given the fact that only 18% of refugees in Jordan live in refugee camps (UNHCR 2024), and the rest live in urban areas, there is an urgent need to understand the differing needs and vulnerabilities of refugees and hosting communities living in cities. This study highlights two locations, Irbid Municipality and Ramtha Municipality and 1) the water and climate risks they face, 2) the effects of climate change on the city, 3) the existing refugee and hosting populations, 4) the available infrastructure and services, and 5) the humanitarian context. The two case studies demonstrate the challenges that these municipalities face in designing and implementing disaster risk management and anticipatory act

This report collates and synthesizes the findings from comprehensive climate baseline assessments and bias-corrected and statistically downscaled climate projections for four distinct areas: Ras Baalbeck in Lebanon, Abu Al-Matamir in Egypt, Wadi Al-Seer in Jordan, and Wadi Al-Faria’a in the West Bank of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). This study developed models to assess future projected climatological patterns, extreme events, and climate scenarios for these locations. Model outputs have a daily timestep and high spatial resolution (10x10 km). We developed the models using data from the Global Climate Monitoring Products and employing advanced techniques such as Bias Correction and Statistical Disaggregation (BCSD) of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) General Circulation Models (GCMs). Model outputs are available here: https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/SCNQWS The study focused on principal temperature and precipitation indicators of most immediate relevance for water and food security. The Al Murunah project is using the study’s outputs to inform implementation planning of resilient nature-based water solutions (RNBWS) in each area, as well as considerations for their application more widely.

The Al Murunah Regional Workshop, held from March 4–6, 2024, at the Geneva Hotel in Amman, Jordan, convened stakeholders and partners involved in advancing resilient nature-based water solutions (RNBWS). Organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and country implementation partners (CIP) including the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) in Egypt, and the Palestinian Hydrology Group (PHG) in the occupied Palestine territories , the workshop served as a pivotal moment in advancing collaborative efforts toward sustainable water management practices in the region. The objectives of the workshop were multifaceted. They aimed to update partners and stakeholders on project progress, foster a common understanding of RNBWS characteristics, solicit key themes for knowledge exchange, plan for the upcoming Fiscal Year 3 (FY3) activities, and articulate objectives for longer-term peer learning and project outputs from the pilots. Participants included representatives from governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, international agencies, and project teams from the involved countries. Throughout the three-day event, engaging sessions and interactive discussions were conducted, covering topics such as national progress updates, pilot programs, FY3 activities, and thematic areas related to RNBWS implementation. Notably, participants emphasized the importance of hybrid nature-based solutions (NBS) tailored to community needs, documented processes to facilitate replication, institutionalization for systemic change, proactive upscaling strategies, and holistic approaches to address labor intensity and ecosystem dynamics. A key highlight of the workshop was the convergence of project teams and national stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment rooted in inclusivity and equity. The shared enthusiasm for pilot implementation, peer learning, and gender transformation components underscored a collective vision for sustainable water management practices. Importantly, the workshop facilitated the development of a shared understanding of RNBWS among participants, providing a solid foundation for future endeavors.