Dr. Fadel ElZubi explained that the agricultural sector in Jordan and the region is witnessing clear developments. According to official statements, growth in the last quarter of the past year reached 7%, placing agriculture at the forefront of economic sectors. The value of agricultural GDP amounted to 2.26 billion dinars, and the sector’s contribution to overall GDP rose from 5.1% in 2024 to 5.4% in 2025. These figures, he noted, raise questions about the role of agricultural information systems and the Regional Food Security Observatory in supporting this growth, and their ability to provide accurate and transparent data for policymakers and investors.
ElZubi pointed out that agricultural information platforms and the regional observatory contribute to strengthening governance in the sector by collecting, analyzing, and publishing periodic indicators that help shape policies and guide investments. They also aim to connect farmers, government agencies, and investors with reliable sources of information, ensuring the sustainability of food security at both national and regional levels.
He added that official data show local self-sufficiency reached 61.4% of total agricultural products by weight, while agricultural exports rose by 10% last year, reaching 1.681 billion dinars, compared to 1.531 billion dinars in 2024. While these numbers appear positive, they require further scrutiny from a financial perspective: domestic production covers only 20–25% of the value of food consumption, with Jordan relying heavily on imports to meet most of its basic food needs.
Estimates indicate that the annual bill for food and agricultural imports exceeds USD 4 billion, reflecting the gap between local production and actual consumption.
ElZubi emphasized that this disparity between self-sufficiency ratios by weight and by value raises legitimate questions:
- Have growth rates translated into improved farmer incomes?
- Which commodities has Jordan truly achieved self-sufficiency in?
- Can the growth in agricultural exports be sustained under current regional conditions and global market volatility?
He further noted that the key question is whether these ratios are clearly reflected in national and regional food security indicators, and whether they are compared across years to track long-term trends.
Experts, he said, also question the accuracy and transparency of figures published on digital platforms, whether they are updated regularly to reflect field realities, and whether data collection methodologies adequately cover all farming categories—especially smallholders. It remains unclear whether these platforms have had a tangible impact on improving farmer incomes or enhancing export competitiveness. Concerns also persist about institutional accountability mechanisms and the sustainability of these platforms amid financial and administrative challenges.
ElZubi concluded: “It is clear that these platforms represent an important step toward building a regional agricultural database. However, their sustainability requires clarity in financing, clear designation of responsible entities for regular updates, and assurance that all stakeholders benefit from the published information. Regional circumstances—including geopolitical crises and market fluctuations—may affect the continuity of export growth, which calls for strengthening resilience in the work of these platforms and linking them to national and regional food security strategies.”
He stressed that the most pressing question is: “Will agricultural information systems and the Regional Food Security Observatory continue and expand in the coming years, ensuring data sustainability and supporting investment decisions and agricultural policies? The answer to this question will largely determine the future of food security in Jordan and the region, and the extent to which these platforms can evolve into practical and reliable tools for policymakers and investors.”