Amman, October 29, 2024 – The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan, today launched Jordan’s first Urban Farming Training Centre at the Al-Tafawuq Park in Amman to strengthen food security in light of increasing climate change effects and disruptions to food supply chains, which is driving up food prices. 

The centre will serve as a hub for practical training on advanced urban farming techniques. Its establishment follows the successful completion of UNDP’s Sustainable Urban Farming project, a strategic intervention funded by the Government of Japan which culminated in the production of fruit tree seedlings stretching over a 3,000 square metre land at the Qadisiyah nurseries, as well as recovering over 3,600 endangered trees using the Miyawaki planting method.  The project also delivered advanced training to over 15 women on urban farming techniques and helped develop a 6,000 square metre community garden in Al-Muqabalin area.

The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of the Mayor of Amman, Dr Yousef Shawarbeh. The Japanese Ambassador to Jordan, His Excellency Mr. Okuyama Jiro, and UNDP Jordan Resident Representative, Randa Aboul-Hosn also attended the ceremony.

Commenting on the launch, the Mayor of Amman highlighted the instrumental role of the Sustainable Urban Farming Project in enhancing Amman’s resilience and adaptation to climate change. He went on to reaffirm GAM's commitment in expanding green spaces and promoting urban farming, while taking key measures to preserve the city’s natural heritage.

For his part, Japan Ambassador to Jordan, Mr. Okuyama Jiro, said:  “We are pleased to witness how the outcomes of this project actively contribute to Amman's economic development and enhance its resilience against climate change shocks. We also envision a future with more green spaces, which will play a crucial role in bolstering food security and advancing environmental sustainability.”

The UNDP Jordan Resident Representative, Randa Aboul-Hosn, also delivered remarks during the ceremony, in which she extended thanks to the Government of Japan for funding and supporting the Sustainable Urban Farming project. In this regard, the Resident Representative highlighted UNDP’s commitment to building on and expanding its partnership with GAM to introduce integrated solutions that help Jordan adapt to climate change and increase its resilience.

She went on to applaud the establishment of the new Urban Farming Training Centre, noting that it underscores UNDP’s efforts in bolstering inclusive sustainable development and accelerating leadership of women and youth in key development areas.