The Smart DESERT Project
Smart Development of Eco-Friendly Solutions and Economic Regional Agricultural Techniques
North-East Badia Highlands — Mafraq, Zarqa, Jerash, Ar Ramtha, Irbid
2021 – November 22, 2023
Agence Française de Développement (AFD) — €10M
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Union for the Mediterranean
Overview
The Smart DESERT Project set out to create a paradigm shift in Jordan's agricultural sector by improving year-round income for vulnerable Jordanians and Syrian refugees across the North-East Badia Highlands. Through diversified production, better farming practices, business training, and market linkages, it supported home-based businesses and smallholder farms in building sustainable livelihoods. The project was officially launched on November 2, 2022 under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma bint Ali, with the French Ambassador and AFD representatives in attendance. Its grants scheme drew 1,044 applications and funded 12 successful applicants, while the National Olive and Rural Products Festival it supported welcomed 250,000+ visitors who purchased over 90% of the home-based business products on offer.
Project Partners
Blumont, Horizons, GreenTech, INWRDAM, NARC
Key Achievements
- check_circle15,000+ farmers and young entrepreneurs trained
- check_circle500+ home-based businesses supported
- check_circle200+ farms supported over three years
- check_circleGLOBALG.A.P. and HACCP certifications provided to beneficiaries
- check_circleINWRDAM mobile early-warning system developed
Stories
Growing Food and Friendship in the Desert
Hanan and Aysha each started a home-based food business to earn an income. Business training reshaped their futures — helping them formalize, market, and grow, while turning a shared love of food into a lasting livelihood and friendship.
From Farm to Market: Generating Year-Round Income for Smallholder Farmers
Anwar grew up in his father's farm and studied agricultural engineering. He saw that smallholder farmers in Mafraq lacked access to food processing and storage. With Smart DESERT support, he helped bridge that gap — enabling farmers to earn a steady, year-round income.
Agricultural Home-Based Businesses Thrive after Support and Training
Since 2021, Smart DESERT has helped hundreds of home-based businesses register, license, and grow. Entrepreneurs like Fadya, Aisha, and Ikhlas gained training, equipment, and seed grants — extending their income beyond the season and doubling their sales.
Working From Home: A Young Jordanian's Home-Based Pickling Business
As a young Jordanian, Jamal built a home-based pickling business from the ground up. With legal support to register and license, plus training and equipment from Smart DESERT, he turned a small home operation into a growing source of income.
The project succeeded. The company continues.
Smart Desert Company was built to carry this mission forward — permanently.