participation:

the

government

policy

challenge in

rangeland

management
 
 
 
 
 

Rangelands comprise more than 80% of the land natural resource base of Jordan. Their sustainable use and protection is an important rural environmental challenge. The rangelands are subject to degradation of soil, grass and shrub cover, and loss of plant bio-diversity.

The project designed, developed and tested participatory mechanisms to control the degradation of arid rangelands in Jordan, and restore and enhance their productivity and biodiversity. The approach increased awareness of environmental management issues of the Bedouin population and should ultimately reduce poverty in the Bedouin community.

Project activities included:

• organizational development of a Rangeland Department within the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture;
• design, development and field testing of a model rangeland management system for Jordan and other countries involved in the Middle East Peace Process;
• facilitating collaboration between local and national NGOs and the Ministry of Agriculture with respect to sustainable rangeland management, enhancing biodiversity and increasing capacity by training activities;
• developing and implementing a communication strategy on project results and methodologies for Jordan and the Middle East;
• definition and implementation of micro income generating and poverty reduction projects for the target groups and in particular women; and
• developing a rangeland policy based on the project's achievements.

The long-term impact will be a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)-driven sustainable model for rangeland management which will provide income diversification and improved livelihoods for the community.

Six PRAs were completed in three pilot zones. A total of 90 microprojects were delivered by the project in water-harvesting, integrated rangeland management, income-generating activities, nursery projects, and confined livestock projects.

Institutional development was directed to the staff of the Range Directorate and other supporting MOA personnel. A total of 489 persons took part in these activities: PRA training; regional study tours; international study tours; and locally-delivered technical workshops. In addition, the project supported 6 MSc students at the University of Jordan for a newly developed Range Management Masters degree.