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Jordan

AGRI‑FIT innovation project to promote inclusive

agriculture in Jordan

The Food and Agriculture Organi-
zation of the United Nations (FAO) in
Jordan officially launched the AGRI-
FIT innovation project, “promot-
ing inclusive agriculture in Jordan
through accessible soilless farming
and economic empowerment for
persons with disabilities,” a pioneer-
ing initiative aimed at promoting in-
clusive and accessible agricultural
practices for persons with disabili-
ties.
Held at the AlMustaqbal Club for
Persons with Motor Disabilities, the
launch event took place under the
patronage of H.E. Wafaa Bani Mus-
tafa, Minister of Social Development,
and brought together key stakehold-
ers, national partners, and beneficia-
ries.
The AGRI-FIT project focuses on Kingdom’s commitments to promot- Motor Disabilities said: “Today, we
advancing innovative, soilless farm- ing rights and providing a dignified are not just opening an agricultural
ing solutions designed to increase life for all its citizens, including per- nursery; we are opening a space
accessibility and enable persons sons with disabilities.” He reaffirmed for hope, empowerment, and inde-
with disabilities to actively partici- the ministry’s continuous support for pendence, laying a new brick in the
pate in agricultural production. By initiatives that enhance the economic journey towards building a more in-
promoting inclusive agricultural sys- empowerment of persons with dis- clusive and equitable society. This
tems, the initiative seeks to enhance abilities and open wider horizons for pioneering project underscores that
economic empowerment, improve them to participate effectively in the disability does not limit capability,
livelihoods, and strengthen social in- journey of development. and that providing the right environ-
clusion in line with national priorities FAO Representative a.i, Paul Opio, ment enables persons with disabili-
and the Sustainable Development emphasized the transformative pow- ties to be active partners in develop-
Goals. er of inclusive innovation: “This ini- ment.”
A key highlight of the launch was tiative is more than a technical solu- The AGRI-FIT initiative also under-
the practical demonstration of inno- tion, it is a proof that when we listen scores the importance of collabora-
vative farming systems, including a and co-create with persons with tion between national institutions,
guided greenhouse tour that show- disabilities, we can unlock their po- civil society organizations, and inter-
cased how adapted agricultural so- tential and transform lives. Agricul- national partners to support inclusive
lutions can provide persons with ture is a cornerstone of livelihoods, development and expand opportuni-
disabilities with independent and yet too often it remains inaccessible. ties within the agricultural sector.
sustainable income opportunities. Through AGRI-FIT, we are demon- Through AGRI-FIT, FAO aims to
On behalf of Minister of Social De- strating that innovation can make ag- scale up innovative models that re-
velopment, the Secretary General riculture open to all, ensuring no one move barriers to participation and
stated,” This initiative is consistent is left behind.” empower persons with disabilities to
with the high Royal directives, Eco- Mohammad Sirhan, President of contribute meaningfully to Jordan’s
nomic Modernization Vision and the AlMustaqbal Club for Persons with agricultural economy.
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