The Story of Women Farmers in Wadi Rum Aldisi in Jordan
In the southern desert, in Wadi Rum, where the land is harsh, opportunities are limited, and traditions and tribal norms often restrict women, a group of strong women are redefining what it means to be a female farmer.
Through the efforts of the Disi Women Villages Basin Cooperative, women—many of them from vulnerable backgrounds—have transformed traditional agricultural practices into sustainable, income-generating activities. They work with sheep wool, dairy production, and small-scale farming, turning local resources into marketable products while preserving Bedouin heritage.
Their role has not been limited to agricultural production alone. The women have also demonstrated leadership in protecting natural trees that are threatened with extinction. They successfully propagated and replanted these trees, contributing to biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability in the region.
They also sought to improve part of the working conditions of women in the agricultural sector by creating a safer and more dignified environment. They equipped three mobile sanitation units, including washing facilities, renewable energy, and a towing trailer, due to the lack of sanitary facilities at agricultural worksites. These units were handed over to the agricultural association that employs women during seasonal agricultural work, ensuring sustainability and broader community benefit.
Despite challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, and limited market access, these women have proven their resilience and leadership. They are not only cultivating crops—they are cultivating hope.
Their work contributes to:
- Strengthening food security in rural communities
- Advancing women’s economic empowerment
- Protecting the environment and biodiversity
- Providing inspiring role models for girls
- Promoting community stability and social cohesion
On the International Year of Women Farmers (IYWF), we celebrate women farmers who stand on the frontlines of climate resilience and rural development. Their hands nurture the land, and their leadership nurtures the future.
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