Minister of Agriculture, Khalid Hunifat discussed Thursday with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) Director General, Tariq Al-Zadjali, challenges facing agricultural sector in North Africa and the Near East (MENA) region including water scarcity, climate change and food security .

On the sidelines of the 40th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conference, that is currently being held in Rome, the two sides also reviewed agricultural policies and strategies to deal with water scarcity and climate change adaptation, which would increase demand on food.

During the meeting, Hunifat touched on the national strategy for food security highlighting measures taken by Jordan due to increase in the number of Syrian refugees in the Kingdom as well as the impact of the Syrian influx on agricultural employment sector.

The Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) was established in 1970, with the aim of developing the natural and human resources available in the agricultural sector and enhancing their output based on technical know-how.

It also aims at facilitating exchange of agricultural produce between Arab countries, as well increasing agricultural produce in order to attain food self-sufficiency.

AOAD also focuses on supporting agricultural projects and processing industries, scientific and technological researches, as well as socioeconomic studies in fields related to food, agriculture and rural communities.

Source: Fana News