Hydroponic Green Farming Initiative (HGFI)
Water scarcity is an issue affecting all walks of life in Jordan, and requires modern, practical solutions across a number of sectors. Strategic changes are needed in the agricultural sector in particular, which consumes 65% of Jordan’s water supply while contributing only 2.5% of the GDP.
The USAID Hydroponic Green Farming Initiative (HGFI) worked to respond to this problem by demonstrating the major advantages of adopting a national campaign to promote hydroponics in Jordan. In addition to increasing revenues, hydroponic techniques also provided a platform to increase economic opportunity and new, competitive skillsets to members of underserved communities. Introducing hydroponic systems to farmers also helped vulnerable groups, such as women and youth, garner workforce skills and vocational training.
Activity Description
USAID HGFI laid the foundation for a national hydroponics campaign, the results of which will be used as building blocks for future activities. As the project continued, the project focused on consolidating progress in key areas by:
- Promoting hydroponic technology in established farmer networks and targeted communities throughout the Jordan Valley and highlands.
- Demonstrating the feasibility of hydroponics through field days at HGFI program sites.
- Bridging the gap between traditional agricultural knowledge and hydroponic systems through educational material and training exercises.
- Ensuring prospective farmers have the technical knowledge and funding to access hydroponic technology.
- Focusing on vulnerable demographics – such as women and youth – when designing outreach and dissemination activities.
- Strengthening HGFI’s partnership with established agribusinesses in Jordan to share knowledge and expand marketing opportunities.
