Hina and Amir*, like many farmers in Jordan, embody resilience and determination. They have transitioned from daily agricultural workers to farm owners. With Acted’s and consortium partners’ support, they are leveraging market linkages to expand their reach and secure sustainable livelihoods.
The Grow Economy Project, funded by AFD, targets vulnerable small farmers and agricultural labourers aiming to improve ways to adapt to climate change, boost productivity, and create new income opportunities. Through NARC’s and Acted’s support, project’s small farmers participated in the 24th National Olive Festival in Jordan, a yearly celebration showcasing local products. The festival enabled the farmers reach more customers by connecting them to national markets. The festival ran from 28 November to 7 December, 2024.
From working on fields to new opportunities
Hina, a farmer from Ajloun, Jordan, has been cultivating grapes and cucumbers for over two decades. Alongside her farming, she prepares traditional products like culinary herbs locally known as za’atar and grape molasses, balancing the immense responsibilities of raising her 12 children.
For years, Hina relied on local markets to sell her produce. However, rising transportation costs and competition from intermediaries limited her ability to grow her business.
During the festival, I learned to think not just like a farmer but like a customer. The experience was transformative. It gave me confidence and a supportive network of other farmers.
Acted’s support opened new doors for Hina. Through training sessions on post-harvest techniques, branding, and marketing, she was equipped with the tools to elevate her business. These skills led her to participate in her first-ever bazaar in Amman, 70 kilometers away from her village.
With her sales increasing, Hina has newfound hope for her future. She is eager to return to upcoming bazaars and expand her reach.
Amir's Journey: Building a Future Through Resilience and Opportunity
Amir, a Syrian refugee, arrived in Jordan in 2012 at the height of the crisis. Starting as a farm laborer in Mafraq and Madaba, he dedicated himself to learning strawberry farming. Over time, his hard work bore fruit—literally and figuratively—as he established 10 greenhouses to grow strawberries.
Despite his success in farming, Amir struggled to reach markets without relying on costly intermediaries. Acted’s bazaar offered him an opportunity to sell directly to customers and explore new avenues for growth.
The bazaar was an immense success. It connected me to buyers and opportunities I never imagined.
Through the bazaar, Amir:
- Secured a direct partnership with the hosting mall.
- Made connections to regional markets for exporting his produce.
- Expanded his business into online and telephone sales, boosting his income.
Amir now looks ahead with optimism, ready to embrace new ventures and participate in future bazaars.
Under the Grow Economy project, Acted, with the support of AFD, empowers farmers like Hina and Amir through targeted training in post-harvest practices, business management, and market linkages. Initiatives like the bazaar provide a platform for farmers to showcase their products, connect directly with buyers, and build networks for sustained growth.
The consortium, formed by Acted, Action Against Hunger, Terre des hommes, Phenix Centre for Sustainable Development, ECO Consult, The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, and National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), aims to promote sustainable, inclusive and decent economic opportunities for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians in the agricultural sector through the GrowEconomy Project.
*names have been changed.