GIZ organizes a roundtable discussion on sustainable use of treated wastewater in agriculture in Jordan

2011-05-29

AMMONNEWS – On behalf the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German-Jordanian Water Program ‘Management of Water Resources’ held, on Sunday 29 May, a roundtable discussion on establishing a risk monitoring and management system for the use of reclaimed water in agriculture in Jordan, in accordance with the latest version of WHO guidelines.

It is worth mentioning that the proposed risk monitoring and management system consists of two major parts: The first looks into assuring sound and effective monitoring system for water, soil, and crops, while the second revolves around implementing all possible measures to eliminate or mitigate risks.

The roundtable aimed at bringing all stakeholders together to discuss the proposed risks of monitoring and management system, which was developed by interdisciplinary working group from the involved stakeholders. In addition, the necessary proceedings for efficient institutionalization of the proposed system were discussed.

The state crop-monitoring program for crops produced with treated wastewater, currently being implemented by the Jordanian Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), is perceived as one of the main achievement of the GIZ Water Program and considered as a corner stone in the monitoring system. The results of this program confirmed the safety of the crops being irrigated with treated wastewater, which gives irrefutable evidence that the reuse of treated wastewater in irrigation is a safe practice.

Jordan comes as one of the pioneer countries in field of modern irrigation techniques and treated wastewater reuse. The support of Jordan Valley Authority, represented by mega infrastructures (like dams, irrigation networks) in the Jordan Valley, paves the way for wider reuse of treated wastewater. One of the many advantages of treated wastewater reuse is save the use of synthetic fertilizers because treated wastewater is rich in plants nutrients. Results of intensive demonstration trials conducted jointly by GIZ and the Jordan Valley Authority, in collaboration with the Jordan Valley farmers, showed that each farm unit (35 dunum) can yearly save around JD1000 – 3000 which is equivalent to no less than JD4 million countrywide.

The Federal Republic of Germany and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan share a longstanding partnership in Development Cooperation. German-Jordanian development cooperation is focused on the water sector. The German Government through its implementing agencies (GIZ. KfW, BGR, CIM) aims at supporting Jordan with the establishment of a comprehensive integrated water resources management. Other German-Jordanian activities include school construction, renewable energies and capacity building.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GMBH is owned by the Federal Republic of Germany. We work worldwide in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education. Our mandate is to support the German government in achieving its objectives in these fields. We provide viable forward-looking solutions for political, economic, ecological and social development in a globalized world. Sometimes working under difficult conditions, we promote complex reforms and change processes. Our corporate objective is to improve people’s lives on a sustainable basis.

Source: Ammon News.
Link: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=12111.