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Jordan Strengthens Food Security Strategy with Reliable Data, Global Collaboration - Jordan News
Jordan Strengthens Food Security Strategy with Reliable Data, Global Collaboration The Kingdom is reinforcing its leadership in food security by prioritizing accurate national data, institutional coordination, and global partnerships. اضافة اعلان Anchored in a science-based approach, the government is steadily building a transparent and reliable food security information system designed to reflect real national needs and support effective long-term planning. As part of these efforts, the Food Security Council, in collaboration with the World Food Programme and under the technical supervision of the Department of Statistics, is finalizing two pivotal studies focusing on nutrition gaps and food consumption patterns. These studies are expected to offer a scientifically grounded understanding of the nutrition poverty line in Jordan, as well as the key factors influencing food consumption behavior. Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat emphasized the government's commitment to data-driven policy. He confirmed that a comprehensive national survey is currently underway to measure two critical international indicators: the percentage of the population experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity, and the percentage facing severe food insecurity alone. This survey is being conducted in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme, with completion expected before the end of 2025. Hneifat noted that this initiative plays a vital role in strengthening international confidence in Jordan's capacity to produce accurate, scientifically verified data. Secretary of the Food Security Council, Nada Fraihat, explained that Jordan's national data has been included in 23 of the 25 indicators published in the 2025 edition of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report. The two excluded indicators were omitted at the country's request, as they were derived from unpublished, model-based estimates rather than official statistics. Jordan formally asked that these be withheld until the national survey concludes. Fraihat further highlighted the launch of the National Food Security Information System in October 2024. The system, one of the most advanced in the region, features 36 national indicators and operates using modern statistical methodologies grounded in verified data sources. The 2025 SOFI report indicates clear progress in Jordan's food security profile. The share of individuals unable to afford a healthy diet fell from 11.5 percent in 2023 to 10.7 percent in 2024. This represents a decline from 1.3 million to 1.2 million people a 7.7 percent decrease. Similarly, the prevalence of undernourishment dropped from 17.9 percent over the period 2021–2023 to 14.3 percent for 2022–2024. However, the cost of maintaining a healthy diet rose slightly due to inflation, increasing by 2.7 percent from $3.28 to $3.37 per person per day. Dr. Fraihat stressed that national policy is built upon the independence and scientific integrity of its data, which led the government to issue a directive restricting the release of official statistics to international organizations, unless provided through the Department of Statistics. International food security advisor Waleed Abd Rabbo echoed this emphasis on data quality, describing it as the foundation for viable and actionable policy. He explained that Jordan's National Food Security Strategy draws exclusively on trusted national indicators rather than generalized international metrics that may not reflect the country's unique priorities such as water use efficiency or self-sufficiency ratios. The strategy underwent rigorous review by regional and international institutions before being formally adopted by the government, earning high praise for the reliability of its data and the strength of its design. Jordan's credibility in this field has garnered international recognition. The country was selected by Wageningen University and Oxford University as one of only five countries globally to serve as a model in transforming food systems, a selection based on its use of predictive models driven by precise national data. Abd Rabbo also noted that Jordan has achieved unprecedented levels of agricultural self-sufficiency and export growth over the past two years. A clearly defined process now exists for updating both national and international indicators. Responsibility for data collection lies with designated government bodies, while independent support institutions conduct regular audits depending on how often each indicator is updated. Further reinforcing this approach, a permanent information committee has been established under the Higher Council for Food Security. Comprising more than ten national and international entities, the committee meets regularly to track and update food security indicators. This structure reflects a deep-rooted institutional awareness of the strategic importance of data in shaping national decisions. Abd Rabbo also warned against the dangers of relying on fragmented or selectively interpreted data, citing its potential to generate economic, social, and political consequences. In line with its right as a sovereign state, Jordan like many others has reserved the authority to reject the publication of any externally generated data or conclusions not verified by official national sources. Currently, preparations are underway to conduct a new nationwide survey, in collaboration with both national and international partners, to ensure that future food security indicators are grounded in precise, verifiable statistics.
(Petra)
