On this matter, international food security expert Dr. Fadel ELZUBI stressed that Jordan’s food system faces clear vulnerability in the face of climate change. He noted that the Kingdom is among the ten most water‑scarce countries in the world, with annual per capita water availability not exceeding 90 cubic meters, compared to the global water poverty line of 500 cubic meters.
Speaking to Sada Al‑Shaab, Dr. ELZUBI explained that this challenge can be transformed into a strategic opportunity through the regulation of agricultural production in line with market needs and input costs. Such an approach, he argued, would enhance resource efficiency and achieve a balance between supply and demand. He added that Jordan’s agricultural production regulation system plays a pivotal role in improving product quality and ensuring compliance with the requirements of both domestic and export markets, through strategic and contractual planning that directs farmers toward high‑value, competitive crops.
This orientation, he continued, reduces waste—estimated at 25–30% for some crops—improves water efficiency, and strengthens resilience to droughts and rising temperatures. In this way, the food system itself becomes a tool for emission reduction by minimizing losses and optimizing resource use.
Agriculture consumes 52% of water but contributes only 6% of GDP. Dr. ELZUBI emphasized that Jordan’s food security hinges on the efficient management of every drop of water. Agriculture consumes between 50–52% of the country’s water resources, while contributing no more than 5–6% of GDP. Regulating production, he explained, is an effective tool to guide farmers toward less water‑intensive and more profitable crops such as dates and greenhouse vegetables.
He highlighted Jordan’s experience in reusing treated wastewater—exceeding 190 million cubic meters annually for irrigation—alongside the expansion of drip irrigation, which now covers more than 70% of irrigated land. These measures, he said, represent a model that can be replicated regionally.
However, fluctuations in local agricultural production, driven by climate change, water scarcity, and rising input costs, have disrupted the upward trend in national food security indicators. The solution, he argued, lies in linking water management with agricultural production regulation, thereby ensuring greater stability in food security despite climatic and demographic pressures, particularly with the population expected to reach 12 million by 2030.
Redesigning supply chains to reduce losses. Dr. ELZUBI noted that food loss in Jordan is estimated at around 30% of fruits and vegetables before reaching consumers. Redesigning food supply chains, he said, must begin at the farm level through contractual agricultural planning, extending through transport, storage, and cooling. This approach ensures direct responsiveness to local market needs while creating a competitive surplus for export markets.
He added that developing low‑carbon cold chains and adopting solar energy in storage and transport could reduce emissions by 15–20%, extend the shelf life of agricultural products, enhance climate sustainability, and double economic returns. Jordanian research institutions, such as the National Agricultural Research Center, are working on developing drought‑ and salinity‑resistant varieties, while the private sector has the capacity to invest in precision agriculture and renewable energy, reinforcing the concept of climate‑smart agriculture.
Dr. ELZUBI stressed that the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident with the rise of extreme weather events, necessitating the adoption of new agricultural practices to adapt to these shifts. He added that Jordan’s legislative environment requires more tax and financial incentives, noting that supporting investment in climate‑smart agriculture could raise productivity by 20–25% and reduce water consumption by around 30%.
20% of operating costs can be saved through renewable energy. He pointed out that one of the most promising opportunities for Jordan in the coming decade is to transform climate challenges into gains for food security by restructuring land ownership and halting land degradation. The number of agricultural holdings increased from 57,400 in 1983 to more than 91,500 in 1997, while the average holding size declined from 64.3 to 41.5 dunums. Addressing this trend through voluntary consolidation and youth empowerment, he argued, would enable the adoption of modern technologies and improve economic viability.
Contractual, market‑linked planning would also enhance competitiveness and reduce losses, particularly in export crops such as dates, whose production has exceeded 30,000 tons annually. He underscored the importance of integrating water, energy, and food systems, noting that solar energy projects in water and agricultural infrastructure could save around 20% of operating costs.
Dr. ELZUBI also called for the development of low‑carbon cooling and processing chains to increase the added value of dates, vegetables, and fruits. Improving quality and reducing losses, he said, could double export revenues.
He concluded that agricultural production regulation is the backbone of transforming climate challenges into opportunities, linking water efficiency with food security stability, reducing losses, and stimulating research and innovation. Through this approach, Jordan’s food system can become a regional model of climate resilience and an effective tool for mitigating the impacts of climate change while enhancing the Kingdom’s position in regional and international markets.