Rainwater harvesting units in Jordan: Assessment of effects

The new ILO impact study on rainwater harvesting units in Jordan highlights how these interventions have strengthened the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers across eight governorates. Implemented between 2016 and 2019 under the project “Job creation for Syrian refugees and Jordanian host communities through green works in agriculture and forestry,” the initiative supported the construction of more than 250 rainwater harvesting units aimed at improving water availability, boosting agricultural productivity, and reducing irrigation costs. The study found that about three‑quarters of the units remain in use, leading to significant efficiency gains: 91% of farmers reported lower irrigation costs, 79% observed higher land productivity, and 73% increased their agricultural income. These improvements were complemented by the adoption of new crop varieties and modern irrigation technologies, contributing to greater environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Beyond productivity gains, the study reveals strong social and community-level impacts. One‑third of farmers hired additional labour, generating more than 2,000 workdays in a single agricultural season, while 55% of women in farming households took active roles in irrigation and harvesting—underscoring the project’s contribution to gender-responsive rural development. The intervention also sparked widespread community uptake, with nearly half of participating farmers motivating neighbours to construct over 250 additional cisterns. Lessons from the study emphasize the need for stronger technical guidance, flexible financial support, and improved maintenance capacity to ensure long-term functionality of water harvesting systems. These insights will inform the next phase of Employment-Intensive Infrastructure interventions under the PROSPECTS Partnership in Jordan.