Jordan is one of the most water scarce countries in the world, with renewable water resources below 100 m3/per capita annually, far below the global threshold for water security. This is aggravated by the country’s geopolitical situation (i.e. regional conflict), population growth and climate change. Due to its position in a region of ongoing crises, Jordan has become the second largest refugee host per capita, with over 750,000 registered refugees of 57 different nationalities.
This population influx into a country with already strained resources has resulted in services being further stretched and increased competition for employment opportunities. The pressure on service provision and infrastructure impacts all sectors, from water and waste management to energy, education and health. Economic growth was slowing already prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, leading to rising public debt and unemployment. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated Jordan’s economy and unemployment rates have risen to a record-high of 23% in 2020, compared to 19% in 2019. Great disparities remain between male and female unemployment, and between Jordanian and refugee populations with regards to access to employment opportunities.
While the country has slowly reduced the restrictions around work permits for refugees, this right is not at this time extended to the majority of refugees. Therefore, many refugees still remain highly dependent on humanitarian assistance.
ACTED in Jordan
Active in Jordan since 2008, ACTED’s focus has been on responding to the needs of refugees and Jordanian host communities affected by the influx. As such, ACTED has played an integral role in ensuring the provision of basic services to refugees and vulnerable Jordanians. In recent years, ACTED’s focus has shifted to longer-term development programming, working in close partnership with local stakeholders to improve infrastructure and service provision, as well as being a key actor in strengthening civil society organisations in Jordan.
In addition, ACTED is promoting a circular economy approach in Jordan, and thereby creating positive social, economic and environmental impact. To this end, ACTED implements projects focusing on WASH and sustainable resource management while creating sustainable and inclusive income-generating opportunities.
With the Syria crisis in its ninth year, over 600,000 Syrian refugees remain registered in Jordan, out of which one third are living in Amman governorate.
Besides the lack of access to sustainable livelihoods for Jordanians and Syrians in East Amman, the living conditions of both populations are aggravated by the absence of green spaces and recreation areas that negatively impacts the residents’ health.
Following a social cohesion assessment in East Amman, over the course of two years ACTED will contribute to the improvement of livelihoods of vulnerable Jordanians and Syrian refugees in a sustainable manner, while enhancing public spaces through green infrastructure. Specifically, ACTED will rehabilitate three public sites – UNRWA school, Abu Al Maari Park, and Alia Tunnel Stairs – through labour-intensive measures.
Hydroponics refers to the growth of plants using minimal (or no) soil. In arid countries such as Jordan, ACTED is working to increase the use of such technology, partly to mitigate against unpredictable rainfall.
ACTED engineers during the drilling of a new borehole. Many of Jordan's water challenges stem from outdated water infrastructure.
In Ayadi Al Badia, project participants visit a local cooperative demonstrating the application of hydroponic technology.
ACTED also worked with Jordanian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to help them identify gaps in their capacity and improve their effectiveness.
ACTED staff oversee a food distribution in Azraq camp.
ACTED plays a critical role in both Za'atari and Azraq refugee camps, ensuring access to clean water and maintaining sanitation standards
Refugees also enjoy access to vocational training courses as a means to aid their long-term integration
Current projects
Resources
ACTED Jordan
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LEADERS - For Sustainable Livelihoods
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Rapid WASH Infrastructure Assessment
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Bread Consumption Analysis Report
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Food Security Assessment in Vulnerable Outreach Communities in Northern Jordan
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A Syrian men employed by ACTED as a Cash-for-Worker is filling the water tanks, Zaatari
ACTED
Syrian refugees are building the waste water network under the supervision of ACTED’s engineers, Zaatari
ACTED
Syrian workers and ACTED staff celebrate the completion of the waste water network’s Phase 1, Zaatari, June 2016
ACTED
A Syrian girl learns how to wash her hands in Azraq refugee camp
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