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Jordan Times
13-04-2025
- Science
- Jordan Times
Alia camel: symbol of Jordan's heritage, resilience
AMMAN — The United Nations declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024). Camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos are an important source of livelihood for millions of families in deserts and mountainous rangelands around the world. Camelids play a vital role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals related to the fight against hunger, the eradication of poverty, the empowerment of women, and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. From providing milk, meat, fiber, and organic fertiliser to transporting products and people, camelids thrive where other livestock species cannot survive. Jordan In celebration of camels and Bedouin communities in Jordan, the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), under the patronage of Nizar Haddad (Researcher and former Director General of NARC), and in partnership with Nico Dingemans (founder of From Farm to Fork in Jordan) and Sami Allawama (founder of Camelera camel milk products), organised Ships of the Desert in May 2024 in Wadi Rum, the first IYC event in the Middle East and North Africa. Haddad also led the scientific research The Alia Camel of Jordan: a genetically distinct dromedary breed, which will be published soon, demonstrating that the Alia camels are genetically distinct and deserve preservation. Mohammed Araishi, camel expert at NARC and the Livestock Research Directorate, played a key role in this project. In October 2024, Dingemans and Allawama organised a second camelids event in partnership with FAO Jordan in Amman. In part one of this two-part article, Dingemans delves into the socioeconomic and gastronomic significance of camels and camel products, such as milk, cheese varieties, and meat, with contributions from Allawama, while part two (this article) explores the results of scientific and heritage research by Haddad, Araishi, and the research team. A unique breed in the heart of Jordan Among the diverse types of dromedaries, the Alia camel (locally known as 'Jamal Alia') is a genetically distinct breed found primarily in the arid landscapes of Wadi Araba in the south, and the Jordan Valley in the east. It captured the attention of scientists and cultural enthusiasts alike as recent advanced genomic research identified its' genetic uniqueness due to the exceptional endurance, high milk production, and adaptability to Jordan's diverse environments. Beyond its biological importance, the Alia camel holds a 'special' place in Jordanian culture and history, symbolising resilience, and ingenuity. Heritage written in stone The Alia camel has been a part of Jordan's history since ancient times, dating back to the Nabataean civilisation. Archaeological findings in Petra, including ancient carvings of camels in the Siq, reflect the essential role of camels as indispensable companions for trade and transportation across the Arabian Peninsula. Oral traditions attribute the Alia camel's lineage to the camels of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, further elevating its cultural importance among Jordanian Bedouins. In Jordan's Eastern Desert, rock art further depicts the enduring relationship between camels and Indigenous people of the region. These carvings, etched into the sandstone by early inhabitants, serve as a testament to the camel's importance in daily life and survival, and its' cultural significance is embedded in folklore and identity, social practices and artistic representation. Collaborative research and discovery The 'groundbreaking' research was made possible through the collaboration of several esteemed institutions, including NARC, the University of Jordan, and Victory Genomics. The Alia camel project I initiated as Haddad was supported by the National Centre for Research and Development of the Higher Council for Science and Technology of Jordan, following his prior genetic studies of local Awassi sheep, historical Mehras olive trees, and indigenous honeybee populations, showcasing Jordan's rich agricultural biodiversity. Why Alia camel stands out The study leveraged whole-genome sequencing (WGS), confirming that the Alia camel is genetically distinct from other dromedaries in the Arabian Peninsula. Its' phenotypic characteristics show remarkable traits, such as endurance and speed, high milk yield, adaptability and genetic distinction. This genetic distinctiveness is not due to geographical isolation but rather careful breeding practices in Jordan and the Alia camel's genetic diversity is comparable to or greater than other camel populations, emphasising its biological significance. Challenges, call for conservation Despite its resilience, the Alia camel faces numerous challenges, including habitat loss, modernisation, and a lack of formal recognition as a distinct breed. Conservation efforts are essential to preserving its legacy. Conservation matters due to several aspects related to cultural preservation, economic value, biodiversity. To ensure its survival, several steps must be taken, including official breed recognition, expanded research and monitoring, sustainable breeding, research expansion and public awareness. Page 2
Jordan Times
10-03-2025
- Science
- Jordan Times
King inaugurates National Seed Bank
His Majesty King Abdullah inaugurated the National Seed Bank, affiliated with the National Agricultural Research Centre in Ain Al Basha, Balqa. The seed bank, which includes state-of-the-art laboratories, aims to preserve plants' genetic data to ensure the sustainability of agriculture and enhance food security (Photo courtesy of Royal Court) Seed bank aims to store plants' genetic data to preserve genetic diversity, ensure sustainability of food security Bank includes state-of-the-art laboratories, old seed samples, oldest of which dates back to 1927 AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the National Seed Bank, affiliated with the National Agricultural Research Centre in Ain Al Basha, Balqa. The seed bank aims to store plants' genetic data to preserve genetic diversity and ensure sustainability of agriculture and food security for future generations, a Royal Court statement said. His Majesty toured the seed bank and was briefed on how it seeks to improve the quality of seeds to contribute to the development of the agricultural sector and the production of new varieties. The National Seed Bank includes state-of-the-art laboratories and old seed samples, the oldest of which dates back to 1927, to serve researchers and academics at universities and scientific research centres specialised in agricultural research and development. It aims to support agriculture in countering the effects of climate change, water scarcity, growing populations, and disruptions to global food systems and food supply chains by preserving crop diversity, and providing healthy and sustainable food, according to the seed bank's acting director, Khaled Abu Hammour, the statement said. The National Seed Bank has seed storage rooms, drying, processing and testing facilities, and a storage capacity of 50,000 samples. Its cryogenic technology helps extend the viability of seeds from 10 years to 100 years in some plant species, ensuring continued agricultural life for generations to come. The seed bank was established at a cost of nearly JD3.8 million, including JD3 million in funding from the Hashemite University. The seed bank was established as an extension of the seed storage unit created in 1993 at theNational Agricultural Research Centre, in line with the National Plan for Sustainable Agriculture (2022-2025) and National Food Security Strategy, which is within the Economic Modernisation Vision for Jordan's agriculture sector, according to the statement. Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat, and President of the Hashemite University Khaled Hyari attended the inauguration.
Jordan Times
25-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
FAO, Agriculture Ministry announce two projects to boost agricultural sector
The Food and Agriculture Organisation in Jordan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Research Centre, announces two projects designed to bolster the Kingdom's agricultural sector, enhance food security, and improve livelihoods (Photo courtesy of FAO) AMMAN — The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Jordan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), on Tuesday announced two new projects designed to bolster the Kingdom's agricultural sector, enhance food security, and improve livelihoods. The announcement event brought together key stakeholders, government officials, farmers, researchers, and other partners, according to a statement to The Jordan Times. These projects represent a "significant" investment in the future of Jordanian agriculture and are aligned with national priorities for sustainable development and enhanced food security. The project 'Conservation and Genetic Enhancement of Local Almond Varieties in Jordan for Sustainable Agricultural Development,' focuses on the conservation of Jordan's agricultural heritage. Implemented in partnership with NARC and other research institutions, this project will document, analyse, and preserve Jordan's valuable almond heritage, including wild and landrace types, which are threatened by climate change, agricultural modernisation, and a lack of comprehensive genetic information. This work will involve a detailed genetic and morphological study, the development of conservation strategies, and the creation of new cultivars with desirable traits, ultimately enhancing genetic diversity and resilience in Jordanian agriculture. The second project 'Strengthening Jordan's agriculture sector through enhanced capacities and market access,' aims to improve food security and the livelihoods of rural communities by supporting farmers in adopting sustainable farming practices, increasing productivity, and improving access to markets. Activities will include providing farmers with necessary tools and training, facilitating public-private dialogue, and creating enhanced market entry points through initiatives like Agri-fairs. This project will address challenges exacerbated by water scarcity, high unemployment, and global crises, responding directly to the government's needs and the Royal vision for enhanced food security. Deputising for the minister of agriculture, Secretary-General of the Agriculture Ministry Mohammed Hayari said: 'The ministry has worked in partnership with several international organisations to hold food commodity exhibitions with the aim of empowering farmers, providing more marketing opportunities, and enhancing their ability to access markets.' He added: 'The importance of the project'Strengthening Jordan's agriculture sector through enhanced capacities and market access' is evident in empowering farmers with the knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable agricultural practices." Hayari said that this can be done through enhancingstrong partnerships between the public and private sectors and international organisations working in the agricultural sector and providing better access to the market through agricultural fairs that connect farmers with buyers and expand their opportunities to generate income. NARC Director-General Khaled Abu Hammour highlighted the "effective" partnership with FAO, noting that this cooperation will have a clear impact on the development of the almond sector in the Kingdom, which is one of the crops with successful economic feasibility. Abu Hammour pointed out that the genetic improvement of local almond varieties and their preservation is an urgent necessity to protect and document the genetic diversity of almonds, which constitutes an essential part of Jordan's agricultural heritage He said that the project aims to limit and classify local strains, analyze them genetically, and enhance their resistance to diseases and severe climatic conditions to ensure their sustainability for future generations. 'These projects represent a crucial step towards a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in Jordan,' said FAO Representative Nabil Assaf. 'The FAO is committed to supporting the government of Jordan in achieving its food security goals and improving the livelihoods of rural communities. We believe that by working together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous future for the Jordanian agriculture,' Assaf added. The announcement event provided a platform for stakeholders to learn more about the projects and discuss opportunities for collaboration. The FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture reaffirmed their commitment to working together to achieve sustainable agricultural development and enhanced food security in Jordan, the statement added.
