Jordan — Bringing the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus closer to national implementation was at the centre of a cross-sectoral policy workshop organised by the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) within the FrontAg Nexus project.

The workshop brought together representatives from government institutions, research organisations, universities, development partners, financial institutions, farmers’ organisations and the private sector to discuss the development of a national roadmap for integrating WEFE policies in Jordan.

Organised in the framework of FrontAg Nexus Task 4.2, the consultation aimed to validate the proposed WEFE Nexus framework, identify policy and institutional barriers, clarify the roles of different actors and agree on practical priorities for translating an integrated approach into national action.

From sectoral strategies to coordinated implementation

One of the main conclusions of the workshop was that the priority for Jordan is not necessarily to develop another standalone WEFE strategy, but to strengthen the integration and implementation of existing national strategies.

Participants highlighted several challenges that currently limit cross-sectoral implementation, including fragmented institutional responsibilities, sector-based planning and budgeting, inconsistent data sharing, limited financing for integrated initiatives and capacity constraints.

The discussions also pointed to the need for stronger links between scientific evidence and policymaking, as well as more systematic coordination between institutions while respecting their existing mandates.

Among the key recommendations were stronger inter-ministerial coordination, joint planning processes, shared national data systems, integrated monitoring mechanisms and regular stakeholder dialogue. Participants also stressed the importance of strengthening research-policy links and increasing private-sector participation in the implementation of WEFE Nexus solutions.

Scaling technology and mobilising investment

Technology and investment were also central to the discussion.

Participants identified a range of solutions with potential for wider application in Jordan, including water-efficient irrigation, water harvesting, treated wastewater reuse, renewable energy in agriculture and water systems, climate-smart agriculture, digital monitoring, GIS and remote sensing, and circular economy approaches.

The workshop also examined the financial mechanisms needed to support their uptake. Grants, incentives, soft loans, climate finance, agricultural investment support and public-private partnerships were highlighted as possible pathways for mobilising investment.

At the same time, participants emphasised that technology and financing need to be accompanied by continued capacity building for farmers, extension officers, technical staff and policymakers.

Building a roadmap around measurable priorities

The consultation also helped identify priority areas for monitoring the implementation of the WEFE Nexus in Jordan.

Stakeholders highlighted indicators related to water-use efficiency, renewable energy utilisation, food security, environmental sustainability, financial performance and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

The outcomes of the workshop were subsequently used to further refine the national roadmap, helping ensure that its recommendations are aligned with national legislation, technically feasible, institutionally appropriate, supported by evidence and responsive to stakeholder priorities.

A broad cross-sectoral consultation

Institutions represented during the workshop included the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Water Authority of Jordan, Jordan Valley Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, NARC, Agricultural Credit Corporation, Higher Council for Science and Technology, FAO and universities, alongside farmer organisations, development organisations, agricultural companies, researchers and other private-sector representatives.

Their participation reflects the cross-sectoral approach at the core of the WEFE Nexus and the need to connect water, energy, food and ecosystem policies rather than addressing them independently.

Through its policy work, FrontAg Nexus seeks to support this transition by bringing together research, stakeholder knowledge and practical experience to inform more integrated approaches to climate resilience and sustainable resource management in the Mediterranean.

About FrontAg Nexus

FrontAg Nexus is a PRIMA-supported project working to address climate change, natural resource scarcity and food-security challenges in the Mediterranean through climate-smart and water-saving agricultural solutions. The project combines technological innovation with socio-economic research and policy development, promoting a more integrated approach to water, energy, food and ecosystem management.

Learn more at frontagnexus.eu.