Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Empowers Mafraq & Irbid Farmers, Cooperatives, and Startups

Amman – August 12, 2025

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation concluded a specialized training workshop in Amman aimed at empowering smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and startups from Mafraq and Irbid governorates. The workshop was sponsored by Ms. Alaa Al-Maayta, Country Representative of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation in Jordan and Lebanon, and attended by the 20D4C Project Manager, Dr. Mohammad Al Shoboul, along with local coordinators, cooperative leaders, and Helvetas’ sub-partners.

The three-day training addressed topics, including planning and budgeting for emerging agricultural projects, an introduction to preparing financial statements, risk assessment, and the development of projected budgets for agricultural initiatives and systemic change. It concluded by equipping participants with practical tools to transform their plans into implementable projects with tangible impact in the agricultural sector.

The event was attended by Helvetas sub-partners, the Specific Union for Women Farmers, the National Agricultural Research Center, and VentureX. It brought together 56 participants, including farmers, livestock, and crop producers from cooperative associations, as well as 15 startups developing innovative solutions to address key challenges in the agricultural sector.

Ms. Alaa Al-Maaytah stated:

> “Through these training programs, we aim to empower smallholder farmers and women herders with the tools and knowledge that will help them improve their agricultural practices and projects, making them more sustainable and profitable. We believe that investing in the capacities of farmers and women herders is a direct investment in food security and rural development, and we are proud of our partnerships with national institutions that share this goal.”