WATER INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES
PROJECT (WIT)
QUARTERLY REPORT
SECOND QUARTER – FISCAL YEAR 2020
JANUARY - MARCH 2020
THIS REPORT WAS PRODUCED FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE UNITED STATES AGENCY DEVELOPMENT (USAID). IT WAS PREPARED BY MERCY CORPS.
SUBMISSION DATE: APRIL 30TH, 2020.
AGREEMENT NUMBER: AID-278-A-17-00002 CONTRACT/AGREEMENT PERIOD: MARCH 15, 2017 TO MARCH 14, 2022 AOR NAME: NOUR HABJOUKA WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT OFFICE THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID)
WATER INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES PROJECT (WIT)
QUARTERLY REPORT SECOND QUARTER – FISCAL YEAR 2020 JANUARY - MARCH 2020
SUBMITTED BY: MAHER HAMDAN CHIEF OF PARTY | WATER INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES (WIT) PROJECT MERCY CORPS BUILDING NO. 8 TABASHEER 3 STREET, 7TH CIRCLE, AMMAN– JORDAN TEL: (+962 6) 554 8571/2 [email protected]
DISCLAIMER
THIS DOCUMENT WAS PRODUCED FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID). IT WAS PREPARED BY MERCY CORPS.
ALL PHOTOS ARE BY MERCY CORPS. Table of Contents
Project Overview ...... 1 Executive Summary ...... 2 Progress on Activity Implementation: January - March 2020 ...... 4 Outcome 1. Adoption of water-saving technologies by farmers increased ...... 4 1.1 Technology suppliers are willing and able to promote and advocate for “full package” of irrigation services ...... 4 1.2 Water-conserving technologies and services are affordable to farmers ...... 7 1.3 Increase farmer and farm-manager access to quality information and advice on appropriate water saving technologies and practices ...... 9
Outcome 2. Adoption of water saving technologies by households and communities increased ...... 11 2.1 Market actors make quality technologies and support services available to households ...... 11 2.2 Water conserving technologies and services are affordable to households...... 13 2.3 Households receive information or messages regarding water-related topics ...... 15 2.4 Community based water projects are completed in areas with high rates of Syrian refugees ...... 17 Implementation Risks and Challenges ...... 18
Cross-cutting Themes ...... 19 Gender ...... 19 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 20 Indicator 5: Number of farmers that converted or adopted improved water saving technologies and/or practices...... 21 Indicator 9: Number of people who use financial services for water saving technology adoption ...... 22 Indicator 11: Number of people reached through different social behavior change campaigns ...... 22 Indicator 7: Number of market actors that offer new technologies, products or services ...... 23 Indicator 8: Number of formal partnerships established among private sector, civil society or government actors ...... 23 Indicator 10: Number of farmers that receive advisory services ...... 23 Indicator 13: Number of people educated on tools, approaches, and/or methods for water security, integrated water resource management, and/or water source protection as a result of USG assistance (M-PMP 3.3.2.1.a) (F HL.8.3-1) ...... 23 Indicator 14: Percentage of female participants in USG-assisted programs designed to increase access to productive economic resource (GNDR-2) ...... 24 Indicator 15: Number of USG-supported community meetings and educational events that expand social dialogue on gender equality (M-PMP 4.1b) ...... 24 Geographic Data Reporting ...... 25
Agriculture - Demonstration Sites, Early Adopters and Investment Fund ...... 25 Household ...... 27 TraiNet Report ...... 30 Success Story ...... 31 Annexes ...... 32
Acronyms and Abbreviations
A2F Access to Finance ACC Agricultural Credit Corporation ADRITEC Arab Drip Irrigation Technology Company B2B Business to Business CBJ Central Bank of Jordan CBO Community Based Organization CDFJ Center for Defending the Freedom of Journalists CIWS Community Initiatives for Water Solutions CWR Crop Water Requirements FGD Focus Group Discussions FY Fiscal Year GOJ Government of Jordan HCC Haya Cultural Center HH Households ICBA International Center for Biosaline Agriculture IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development INWRDAM Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management IWMI International Water Management Institute JCB Jordan Commercial Bank JCC Jordan Credit Corporation JMD Jordan Meteorological Department JOD Jordanian Dinars JOPEA Jordan Olive Products Exporters Association JRF Jordan River Foundation MC Mercy Corps MCM Million Cubic Meter MIRRA Methods for Irrigation and Agriculture MOA Ministry of Agriculture MWI Ministry of Water and Irrigation NARC National Agricultural Research Center NDICO National Drip irrigation Company RO Reverse Osmosis RSS Royal Scientific Society UNITEX United Plastic Containers USAID United States Agency for International Development WIT Water Innovation Technologies WSD Water Saving Devices WST Water Saving Technologies
Project Overview
The Water Innovation Technologies (WIT) project is a five-year initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Mercy Corps (MC). The objective of the project is to increase water conservation in Jordan by focusing on water efficiency in the agricultural sector, community and household levels. The Project’s theory of change states that “if barriers to the adoption of water-saving technologies are systematically broken down at multiple levels, with Queen Rania Pond – Ajloun. different groups of water users and market actors through enhancing knowledge, forming partnerships and providing advisory services, in addition to improving access to finance and strengthening institutions that support water-saving, then adoption of water-saving technologies by farmers, households and communities will increase leading to sustainable management of water and natural resources”. The project goal is to save 18.5 MCM of water by addressing market system constraints in the adoption of innovative water-saving technologies in agriculture and household sectors.
WIT works to facilitate the uptake of advisory and financing services and uses an integrated strategy with a social and behavioral change approach to help a variety of water sector market actors overcome key barriers and constraints at individual and institutional levels. For the agriculture and household sectors, lack of knowledge, information and access to appropriate financing services are key constraints in the adoption of water-saving technologies and these have been identified since the beginning of the project and updated on a regular basis.
Through private companies, WIT promotes the sustainable and scaled adoption of water-saving practices and technologies in agriculture, households and key market actors who work directly with farmers, communities and households in the North of Jordan. WIT works in collaboration with the Government of Jordan (GOJ) through the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (Jordan Valley Authority and Water Authority of Jordan), the Ministry of Agriculture (National Center for Agriculture Research and Extension), and the Ministry of Social Development, along with other partners including the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in the provision of technical advisory services to farmers and suppliers, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in the implementation of the learning agenda and monitoring of water savings for the project, the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) in increasing the adoption of water saving technologies by households and communities and the Royal Scientific Society (RSS) bringing first-hand information about how communities in Jordan are innovating and adapting water saving technologies.
By using a set of pre-identified market barriers to frame program objectives, WIT has designed activities that bring improved and affordable water savings practices and technologies into use among farmers, households and communities, which also enhance the functioning of the market for those technologies. Project activities aim to: 1) Inform farmers and households about the financial, environmental, and access- related benefits of water-saving technologies, building market demand for related goods and services; and 2) Build the capacity of market actors to design, distribute, market, and finance water-saving technologies, improving the supply and affordability of related goods and services.
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Executive Summary
During the reporting period from January to March 2020, the Water Innovation Technologies (WIT) project continued to facilitate farmers’ adoption of water saving technologies. By the end of March 2020 and in collaboration with the private sector, an additional 233.9 hectares were optimized into improved irrigation systems for a cumulative total of 920.2 hectares since the beginning of the project. As a result of WIT’s efforts, a cumulative of 5,381,263 m³ of water have been saved. GR Drip Irrigation Pipes installed in Grapefruit Farm – Mafraq. In addition to the above savings, WIT continues to work with diverse market actors, including the Arab Drip Irrigation Technology Company (ADRITEC) in the demonstration of new technologies in diverse geographical areas and Methods for Irrigation and Agriculture (MIRRA) for the provision of quality assurance services of farms already optimized to water saving technologies. As part as WIT’s ongoing exploration of new partners, conversations have begun with Universal for Industry of Drip Irrigation Pipes, for the installation of 10 demonstration sites (~1 ha each) equipped with GR tape-style pipes fitted with low flow emitters and the provision of services by newly trained field engineers to promote low-cost technologies to farmers.
Aside from these market actors' engagement, WIT continues to support suppliers in identifying business opportunities to expand their market share for the provision of water saving technologies, practices and services. An example of this is the “Investment and Business Opportunities in Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies and Irrigation Embedded services” workshop facilitated by WIT on March 11.
Also, as part of the knowledge barrier constraint, WIT facilitated two workshops (a soft skills training in business communication and a water accounting training course) to improve suppliers’ technical knowledge. Attendees to these trainings included government representatives from the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) and irrigation and water inputs companies. In addition to these training opportunities WIT developed six crop water requirement factsheets which suppliers will be distributing and that will reinforce messages on the importance of irrigation best practices and adequate use and maintenance of irrigation equipment. WIT also began exploring potential business opportunities of non-conventional technologies (alternative crops, agricultural systems, soil amendments and others) through ICBA. Two concept notes have been developed during the current quarter; the first concept note “Soil amendments for Azraq and Mafraq Regions of Jordan” to determine the impact of using Hydrogel Polymer as a soil conditioner on the water use efficiency and soil properties and productivity and a second one “Alternative Crops for Azraq and Mafraq Regions of Jordan'' introducing forages that use less amount and low-quality water for irrigation.
Finally, WIT completed the product development initiative to support the development of a tailored agricultural loan product with Ethmar for Islamic Microfinance and the Jordan Commercial Bank. During the reporting quarter the design for the loan product has been completed as the advising company has provided technical support to the two financial entities to better understand the agricultural sector in Jordan, in increasing the adoption of water saving technologies and raising awareness about their benefits and usage.
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Within the Household and Communities component, the Project finalized the mapping activities for Amman to identify potential areas where WIT can support suppliers in the expansion and distribution of water saving technologies. The mapping exercise included the identification of key market actors and analysis of current potential markets for water saving technologies in households and community institutions such as schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, hotels and mosques. Rain Water Harvesting System – Northern Jordan. Technologies identified in the assessment include, but are not limited to, water saving devices (WSD), rainwater harvesting systems, grey water systems and zero-waste reverse osmosis filters among others. The mapping exercise also identified barriers for supply and demand sectors that prevent the WSD’s market from growing.
The increased knowledge among participant households on the benefits of adopting WST linked to the availability of these products and suppliers and the development of financial solutions triggered a gradual adoption of WST through the Project’s revolving loans tool. During the reporting period, WIT disbursed a total of 46 loans (25 loans in Ajloun and 21 in Mafraq) for a total of JOD 112,400. Four of the loans will be used for the installation of above ground plastic tanks; one loan will be used to install an underground plastic tank and the remaining 41 loans, in the construction of pear shape wells. These loans are expected to account for 1,320 m³of water saved. Since the launch of the revolving loan activity in July 2019, WIT has disbursed 124 loans (33% of which have been distributed to women) for a total of JOD 276,305. These loans have been disbursed by seven CBOs and water savings of the technologies purchased through the revolving loan, are expected to account for 6,885 m³ of water saved.
As part of the communal projects, WIT has worked on the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans (EMMPs) and designs for Wadi Shuaib Dam in Balqa and Al Ghadeer Al Abyad Dam in Mafraq. Construction work at Deir Al Kahef Dam and Al Ramtha Dam has been on hold since the beginning of the year due to weather conditions and would witness further delays if restrictions on construction activities continue during the summer months.
Finally, and in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Jordanian authorities closed all airports, seaport and border crossings and instated a curfew for Jordan since March 21, 2020, with limited movement and essential services open. The government announced 14 days of quarantine, from April 1st to 15th, which will likely be expanded until the end of the month. Given the country lockdown, WIT expects that the adoption and investment in WST (by households and farmers) will decrease as suppliers' sales will be affected, compromising their flexibility, commitment and contribution towards the project and therefore, affecting WIT results and indicators. However, the WIT team began to provide remote management support and identify alternatives to its interventions, particularly, in supporting suppliers and farmers with adequate follow up and in the delivery of training sessions which for the month of April and May, will shift to online training sessions.
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Progress on Activity Implementation: January - March 2020
Outcome 1. Adoption of water-saving technologies by farmers increased
During the reporting period from January to March 2020, the Water Innovation Technologies (WIT) project continued to facilitate farmers’ adoption of water saving technologies. By the end of March 2020 and in collaboration with the private sector, an additional 233.9 hectares were optimized into improved irrigation systems for a cumulative total of 920.2 hectares since the beginning of the project. This total number includes early adopters, demonstration sites and investment fund activities. However, total metered area of irrigation systems PC Drip Irrigation – Mafraq. covers only 775.4 hectares since installations done in late February and early March were not metered given movement restrictions imposed in the Kingdom. As a result of WIT’s efforts, quarterly water savings account for 240,982 m³ increasing cumulative savings to 5,381,263 m³. WIT continues working with new market actors, including the Arab Drip Irrigation Technology Company (ADRITEC) to demonstrate new technologies in diverse geographical areas and Methods for Irrigation and Agriculture (MIRRA) in the provision of quality assurance services of farms already optimized to water saving technologies. As part as WIT’s ongoing exploration of new partners, conversations have begun with Universal for Industry of Drip Irrigation Pipes, to promote a lower cost GR tape style pipes and low flow emitters.
1.1 Technology suppliers are willing and able to promote and advocate for “full package” of irrigation services
Intervention Area: Support more suppliers to promote water-saving technologies. WIT continues to support suppliers in identifying business opportunities to expand their market share for the provision of water saving technologies, practices and services. After updating the market assessment, and identifying suppliers interested in partnering with the Project, WIT facilitated the “Investment and Business Opportunities in Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies and Irrigation Embedded services” workshop on March 11 to former and new suppliers, including:
● National Drip Irrigation Company (NDICO). ● Arab Drip Irrigation Technology Co (ADRITEC). ● Universal for Industry of Drip Irrigation Pipes. ● Tadsheen Trading Establishment. ● Hunter Industries. ● Arzaq for Agriculture and Trading. ● Al Qawafel Agro-Industrial. ● Soil Enhancement Products.
Suppliers demonstrated their interest in working with water saving technologies (WST) as now they learned about the potential of investing in this sector. WIT has started receiving different proposals and concept
WATER INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES QUARTERLY REPORT – FISCAL YEAR 2020: JANUARY – MARCH 2020. 4 ideas of interventions from attendees which will be evaluated and considered for implementation in upcoming months.
In addition to the above and to continue supporting supplier’s diverse efforts, WIT is engaging in the development of data-driven services to generate ready-to-use data to help farmers schedule irrigation systems in their plots. In collaboration with INWRDAM and the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD), WIT installed two weather stations - one in Azraq at Dr. Ousama Al Zyoud farm and the other is in Mafraq at Ayman Abu Keshek’s farm. A third weather station was scheduled to be installed in Mafraq during the reporting period, however, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the installation has been delayed and will be rescheduled when the situation stabilizes. The raw data from these weather stations will be processed by INWRDAM to compute crop water requirements using the penman-Monteith equation. INWRDAM is developing a smart application that will be used farmers, who after creating their own profiles can include their farm conditions, spacing and soil type. The App will provide a five-day irrigation forecast including hours of irrigation and volumes of water to be applied. The App will be piloted with twenty farmers and to ensure accuracy, INWRDAM will be on the field to disseminate knowledge about irrigation scheduling, investigate on-field conditions and will monitor the farmers with the new irrigation schedule.
Weather Stations System – Mafraq.
In providing farmers with the most accurate information to irrigate, ICBA will install sensory systems in three farms. These systems will provide direct measurements to soil water content by soil moisture sensors, and the Sap Flow Sensors for measuring the sap flow, and thus the water consumption of plants. Algorithms will compute the raw data in real-time and will provide the plant water deficit index. In addition to these, remote sensing and satellite images will be used to customize the farm specific conditions for spacing, along with leaf area index and crop coefficient. Using these technologies, ICBA will develop a customized irrigation scheduling for these three farms. WIT will later determine, which of these two approaches (data driven irrigation systems or sensory systems) are most effective and meet farmers’ and crop water requirement needs.
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Additionally, WIT started exploring potential for business opportunities in non-conventional technologies (alternative crops, agricultural systems, soil amendments and others) through two concept notes developed by ICBA. The first concept note “Soil amendments for Azraq and Mafraq Regions of Jordan” which aims to determine the impact of using Hydrogel Polymer as a soil conditioner on the water use efficiency and soil properties and productivity and a second one “Alternative Crops for Azraq and Mafraq Regions of Jordan'' introducing forages that use less amount and low-quality water for irrigation.
Finally, and as COVID-19 started to escalate and impact Jordan with the government enacting a countrywide lockdown in March, increasing the number of new installation and adoptions, was delayed by some suppliers as March and April are the months where farmers typically do maintenance and new installations within their irrigation network systems. This reduced the number of optimized and metered farms and limited the number of suppliers’ engagement in Project-related activities.
Intervention Area: Increase knowledge at the agricultural supply side to better market and promote water-saving products.
WIT’s interventions to increase and improve the suppliers’ technical knowledge took place during the reporting period as the second phase of WIT’s training program continued. In January 2020, WIT conducted a soft skills training in business communication to suppliers on:
● Understanding the importance of applying effective business communication skills; ● Identifying key principles of business communication; ● Learning how to apply different communication channels and tools in the market; and ● Knowing how to properly and effectively apply communication principles, skills and tools with farmers and other clients.
From the 15 participants who attended the session (12 men and 3 women), eight irrigation and water inputs companies were included along with government representatives from the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI).
As part of the training program, WIT also organized a water accounting training course conducted by IWMI. The objective of this training was to improve the knowledge of irrigation systems among suppliers and other public sector entities in:
Irrigation water metering and water savings calculations at plot and farm level. Water accounting frameworks and its application at the farm level. Water productivity, how to calculate it and the ways to improve it. Farm records and its usefulness in farm financial monitoring, planning and budgeting.
Attendees included 29 irrigation and water input companies in Jordan along with government representatives from NARC, MoA and MWI. The table below summarizes the trainings mentioned above:
Agriculture Training Schedule
No. of Attendees Attendees # Date of Training # Training Name Ag Training Days M F Total Gov. Rep. Suppliers January 28- 1 Communication Training Program 2 12 3 15 10 5 29, 2020
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March 2, 2 Water Accounting 1 18 11 29 13 4 2020
Additional training sessions were scheduled to take place during March 2020 on diverse technical topics. However, the COVID-19 outbreak created a global health emergency and critical steps were taken immediately at the governmental and organizational levels to limit the spread of this disease, which included the prevention and avoidance of gatherings. Due to this emergency, the WIT team designed and developed a response plan to implement training interventions remotely. To continue the delivery of the training program sessions to agriculture suppliers, WIT conducted a rapid assessment in late March to test the willingness and capacities of the targeted suppliers to attend online training courses through online applications and programs. Findings to this assessment included that the majority of suppliers were willing to attend an online training session as most of them have access to smartphones or computers and a reliable internet connection. After the assessment process was completed, interested agriculture suppliers were contacted and invited to attend the crop water requirement training which will be delivered by ICBA on April 7, 2020.
Additionally, to increase suppliers’ knowledge and support suppliers’ efforts to market and promote WSTs, WIT in collaboration with ICBA and IWMI developed different factsheets, to be used as technical guidelines for suppliers to convince farmers to invest in WST and adopt better irrigation practices. A total of six factsheets (See Annex 1: CWR Factsheets) including crop water requirements, feasibility studies and economic analysis of WST, water-saving impacts on productivity and crop growth and land effect topics were developed, providing data for the following crops:
1. Crop water requirements for stone fruits in Mafraq. 2. Crop water requirements for grapes in Azraq and Mafraq. 3. Crop water requirements for olives in Azraq and Mafraq. 4. Crop water requirements for date palms in Azraq. 5. Crop water requirements for alfalfa in Azraq. 6. Crop water requirements for pomegranate in Azraq and Mafraq.
The factsheets were developed using generic weather data and customized crop coefficient (Kc) data for Mafraq and Azraq; Kc was customized using remote sensing and satellite images. These factsheets will be used to estimate farmers’ crop needs and irrigate accordingly. These factsheets illustrate over-irrigation farmers’ practices to showcase opportunities a farmer can benefit from and the importance of having proper and efficient irrigation systems and irrigation advisory services. Additionally, IWMI is developing feasibility studies and economic analysis of WST based on water savings and average pumping capacity for both Mafraq and Azraq governorates correlating water and energy savings. These new factsheets will demonstrate how the adoption of WST and proper usage of energy can result in increasing the farmers profit and reduce their input costs. Factsheets will be shared in a package, as each sheet is linked to one another and will be distributed by suppliers and WIT through SMS and WhatsApp messages given current COVID- 19 circumstances, and through informative sessions once gatherings are allowed by the Government.
1.2 Water-conserving technologies and services are affordable to farmers
One factor affecting farmers’ decision to invest in new technologies is whether they can access appropriate financial products to afford water-saving technologies. WIT has confirmed that formal financial institutions are hesitant to lend to farmers due to a lack of proper risk mitigation methods in agricultural lending and has identified two formal financial institutions, Ethmar for Islamic Microfinance and the Jordan Commercial Bank, that are willing to explore and pilot irrigation-specific loan products.
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Intervention Area: Facilitate financial solutions for farmers to adopt water-saving technologies.
During the reporting period WIT has completed the product development initiative to support the development of a tailored agricultural loan product with Ethmar for Islamic Microfinance and the Jordan Commercial Bank (See Annex 2: Product Design Features to Finance Water Saving Irrigation Systems). During the reporting quarter Al Bayan Advisors provided technical support to the two financial entities to better understand the agricultural sector in Jordan and be creative in increasing the adoption of water saving technologies and raise awareness about their benefits and usage. During the current quarter, the following deliverables were completed:
● The costing and projection analysis, covering all the operational expenses for the loan product. ● A training plan, ensuring a full and comprehensive understanding of the general overview of the agricultural sector in Jordan, and the benefits of using water saving technologies. ● The pilot plan for the new product design. ● The monitoring and evaluation plan, to ensure that all key performance indicators are met. ● The feedback plan, using written documentation tools throughout the cycle of piloting the product and the launching phase.
As different financial solutions were development through different entities, a full description for each is described below:
Ethmar for Islamic Microfinance
WIT has played a facilitator’s role by successfully linking Ethmar for Islamic Microfinance and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in giving loans that encourage the adoption of water saving technologies within the agricultural sector in Jordan, facilitating their eligibility to benefit from IFAD`s available funds at the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) which are JOD two million.
WIT, in collaboration with Al Bayan Advisors, developed two products with two different features; the first product is based on Al-Murabaha, a type of credit sale contract in which goods or financial interests are sold at a price with an additional agreed profit margin in the form of either a deducted sum of money or a percentage of the price. This gives individuals the opportunity to finance fixed assets with amounts that vary from 1,000 - 5,000 JOD within a one-year financing period. This product includes a six-to-eight-months grace period that considers the harvesting season. The model requires Ethmar for Islamic Microfinance to pay the whole amount to the selected supplier and the farmer repaying Ethmar after the contract has been signed.
The second product is based on Al-Istisna`, a deferred-delivery sale contract between the client/purchaser (first party) and the financial institution (second party), in which the second party at the request of the first party produces or acquires determined goods. This option provides a financing ceiling that reaches up to 15,000 JOD to finance manufactured equipment with a repayment period from one and up to three years. This model includes a six-to-eight-months grace period considering harvesting seasonality. Ethmar will pay the supplier two payments upon completion of pre-defined milestones to ensure accuracy of the financing procedure.
Jordan Commercial Bank (JCB)
Jordan Commercial Bank has a wider customer segment with stronger technical capabilities due to the size of the bank, as they have already taken direct funding from IFAD and have some expertise with the Jordanian agricultural sector. The JCB`s product offers financing amounts from 10,000 to 50,000 JOD with
WATER INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES QUARTERLY REPORT – FISCAL YEAR 2020: JANUARY – MARCH 2020. 8 a repayment period from one to three years to finance water irrigation system fixed assets to farmers. JCB has already disbursed agricultural loans for approximately JOD 350,000 through seven water saving loans (JOD 50,000 each). Five of these loans were for farms located in the northern of Amman and two are located in Mafraq governorate.
Linking informal and formal financing:
The Project is currently working with WIT partnered suppliers to create linkages between them and the two financial institutions by showing the business case and market opportunity, and pilot potential partnerships.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
The CBJ has greatly supported the Project and recommended to collaborate with IFAD, as they have a strong expertise within the agriculture sector in Jordan either through funds, technical support programs with local entities or raising awareness among the Jordanian agriculture sector. During the current quarter, coordination efforts were held with IFAD to support Ethmar for Islamic Microfinance to benefit from their available funds at the CBJ and agreed to allocate a specific amount to Ethmar from their 2020 budget (JOD 2 million) to support with the product development initiative being implemented with WIT.
Agricultural Credit Cooperation (ACC)
The WIT team worked closely with ACC to increase their awareness of the economic benefits of water conservation technologies. This led to increasing the allocated budget for water technologies to JOD two million. During the reporting period, ACC disbursed a total of 33 loans for JOD 535,098 for the purchase and installation of water saving technologies. WIT is planning to conduct site visits to the farmers who requested the loans, in collaboration with ACC, to learn more about the technologies implemented and the feedback of the farmers on their economic benefits. Additionally, WIT is working with ACC to deliver training sessions to 25 of their specialized agriculture loan officers focusing on the economic benefits and the business case for the adoption of water saving technologies in the farms.
Farmers’ financial literacy
WIT has also initiated a financial literacy training program to be delivered to targeted farmers in Mafraq and Azraq governorates in support of the launch of the product development products, ensuring the delivery of complete and responsible financing mechanisms to farmers. The purpose of this financial literacy training is to equip farmers with financial knowledge and tools that will help them in managing their financial resources properly and allowing them to assess and evaluate among diverse financial services and financial institutions without adding to their financial liabilities. The training is expected to begin in the next quarter.
1.3 Increase farmer and farm-manager access to quality information and advice on appropriate water saving technologies and practices
Providing information that addresses farmers’ interest in the adoption and use of water saving technologies and practices is key to ensure an adequate management of their farms. WIT’s communication and outreach activities during the current quarter aimed to continue bridging this gap by enhancing media coverage, disseminating knowledge via educational videos, driving farmers into the adoption of water-saving technologies and practices.
Intervention Area: Enhance the capacities of supporting market actors.
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To address the information/knowledge related-barriers and increase uptake in the adoption of water-saving practices and technologies by farmers, WIT is looking into strengthening the university students’ understanding of irrigation best practices as recent graduates are considered as a source of information and will be working as extension services agents whether through a government agency (MoA, NARC) or with input and irrigation suppliers. Therefore, enhancement of knowledge will benefit the water market and will develop trusted-worthy channels to transfer information to farmers. An example of this is INWRDAM who contracted three graduates as interns to develop their skills and practical knowledge. Additionally, MIRRA is working towards designing and providing an on-field apprenticeship training program on irrigation system design, installation and maintenance. This program will be for six candidates who will become experts in advising current and future generations on irrigation systems.
Additionally, during March 2020, WIT began working with the Center of Defending the Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) to conduct a market assessment and identify the constraints which restrain media outlets from delivering quality messaging around household and farm-level solutions to the water shortages. Based on the results of this assessment, the WIT team will determine how best to strengthen the capacities of journalists, TV and radio reports, bloggers, social media activists and other target groups on a variety of water conservation issues in agriculture and households.
Intervention Area: Support the development of irrigation advisory services to increase farmer (demand side) knowledge about water-saving technologies and practices. The uptake of knowledge and adoption of innovative water saving technologies are at the center of the WIT Project and its communication and outreach strategy. Providing relevant information to farmers is key to ensure that they are able to adopt and manage water saving technologies and save water. WIT communication and outreach efforts have continued to focus on increasing farmer and farm-manager’s access to quality information on available water- saving solutions placing an important emphasis on developing and improving the outreach capacities of private sector partners to provide Informative session for farmers- Mafraq. farmers with sound evidence and knowledge on the cost and benefits of adopting water saving technologies and thus build demand in the water market sector.
During the reporting period, ICBA and IWMI, developed six water requirements factsheets for Mafraq and Azraq. The fact sheets were distributed to farmers during awareness sessions that the Project held during February and March 2020.
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WIT held the first informative session in Azraq in partnership with JOPEA, while the event in Mafraq was held at the Professional Associations Complex. The main objective of these sessions was to disseminate knowledge to farmers in the highlands in irrigation efficiency and the importance of having a proper designed system, crop water requirement needs, low flow emitters and filter systems and the economic benefits of using WST. Additionally, the sessions included testimonials from farmers who have benefited from using WST. The total number of participants for the both events was as follows:
# Activity Date Male Female Total
1 Azraq Informative Session 02-26-20 32 4 36
2 Mafraq Informative Session 03-09-20 34 6 40
Additionally, the Project launched a SMS campaign targeting more than 1,000 farmers to support the promotional efforts of irrigation suppliers’ efforts. The SMS campaign addressed irrigation maintenance, scheduling and system design and gave farmers, access to a flyer with information about inline and online PC drippers, filters and automated irrigation. The flyer also included contact details to irrigation suppliers who provide these technologies and financial institutions providing loans to farmers for the purchase of these technologies. During this quarter, WIT also initiated the production of videos to educate farmers on the benefits of adopting water-saving practices and technologies in farms. The videos will feature the benefits of specific water-saving technologies and highlight practices which together will support farm owners in reducing operation costs and improving yields and will cover technical topics such as irrigation network design, specification and benefits of using low-flow emitters associated with proper filtration systems, irrigation system management and scheduling along with financial benefit of adopting water-saving practices and technologies. Furthermore, the videos will capture valuable testimonials from farmers, technical partners, experts and academia on the importance of having a well-designed irrigation system and improved technologies that will guarantee the highest uniformity and water-use efficiency at the farm level. WIT will utilize suppliers’ and influencers’ communication channels to distribute the videos to the largest and most targeted audience possible.
Outcome 2. Adoption of water saving technologies by households and communities increased
2.1 Market actors make quality technologies and support services available to households Households and communities across Jordan have been dealing with an intermittent and decreasing water supply for years. WIT aims to make solutions readily available to them by raising awareness, stretching the amount of water available to the communities and helping communities use their water resources more efficiently. While some technologies and services exist in the market, they are not easily accessible to households. The limited availability of water saving technologies in the targeted communities is one of the constraints addressed by WIT and due to challenges with the water-saving technologies not being as widely available as anticipated and therefore not accessible to all targeted communities, WIT did not to completed activities set to take place during this quarter. However, WIT is working with suppliers to expand their network and has extended agreements to complete delayed activities.
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Intervention Area: Support water-saving technology suppliers to enhance their distribution channels. Since its inception, WIT is in an ongoing search for water-saving technologies that can be distributed and adopted among households. The identification of new and improved technologies is fundamental to increasing adoption. During the reporting quarter, the Royal Scientific Society (RSS) concluded a mapping process to identify new suppliers in Amman. The mapping process included visits to the stores and categorized offered technologies. As part of the mapping process, three districts were identified (Al-Jame’a, Wadi Al-Sir and Qasabet Amman) including the most appropriate approach and technologies to be promoted in these areas. Further discussion will be held in the upcoming quarter to assess supplier’s will and skill, and the relevance of their technologies, to meet the communities’ needs. Simultaneously, the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) submitted a detailed report covering the analysis and capacity assessment for water saving attributes in the governorates of Mafraq, Irbid, Jerash, Ajloun, and Azraq. Based on the results, WIT will implement a plan to disseminate the findings of the market mapping/demand through targeting suppliers and other relevant stakeholders
Key findings and recommendations about the above-mentioned assessments include the following: - Three main types of WSDs (faucet aerator, flow control and built-in devices) are available in the market. - RO systems available in the market do not save water, but rather increase water consumption, as more water is used to clean the filters. However, the most efficient way to prevent losing the additional consumed washing water is by drawing it separately and using it in irrigation or other suitable uses (zero waste RO system). - Local suppliers of grey water systems work on large-scale projects for municipalities and the Ministry of Water; small scale units are considered relatively expensive for the average household and community institutions. - Media campaigns are necessary to raise awareness about water scarcity and conservation, practices and available technologies that reduce water consumption. - Is important to connect suppliers to the campaign building a business network around water conservation. - There are financial obstacles in the adoption of water saving technologies in Amman.
In addition to the above-mentioned activities, WIT participated in the World Future Energy Summit, Water Expo & Forum, organized as part of the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. The event was held on January 18, 2020 and featured state-of-the-art water technologies, investors and interesting solutions that could be sourced out to Jordan. Attendees explored potential new water saving technologies that can be promoted through WIT interventions including: - Atmospheric water generators with different capacities – An Indian technology that is capable of generating up to 1,000 litters of clean, pure and safe drinking water per day. - Non-Thermal Zero Liquid Discharge Brine Management Technology - A non-thermal, continuous and re-generable zero liquid discharge technology, known as ABXTH, produced in New Zealand. The ABXTM system efficiently reduces high TDS brines to salt and produces only clean water. - Sustainable Agricultural System - Agricultural systems using a holistic approach to sustainability to help tackle food and water security challenges in the region.
Simultaneously, WIT suppliers are implementing activities to increase the accessibility to their products including utilizing the community based organizations (CBOs) networks, hiring and training sales agents, and identifying potential distributors/retailers. Specific activities with each supplier are summarized below:
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● Solvillion distributes grey water reuse systems. To diversify and expand their outreach, they will install six demonstration sites in public spaces (mosques and schools) to influence and change the perception of greywater use among society. By the end of the reporting period, and as mentioned in the previous quarterly report, one greywater reuse system was installed in Al Hashemi mosque in Jerash. The inlet water quality was tested but the outlet water quality results were not released by the National Center for Agricultural Research due to COVID-19 and the government lockdown instructions. Locations for new installations in mosques include: 1) Masjid Reyad al Saleheen in Ajloun; 2) Raya Bent Al-Hussien school in Mafraq; and Masjid Salah el Dien al Ayouby in Irbid. Installations will resume once the lockdown is lifted. In addition to the installation of these demonstration sites, Solvillion is implementing their marketing plan and have begun working on their website and the production of a promotional video for grey water treatment systems along with brochures to reach a wider market. Finally, Solvillion has shown their interest in raising awareness efforts and have partnered with diverse entities and conducted three challenges for youth and university students in marketing, water treatment and training. Winners of these challenges were later hired by the company.
● Al-Aman provides water saving devices and has been working in increasing their demand through outreach activities including: - Demonstration sites in institutions and households. The demonstration sites will be installed in 12 different facilities (hospitals, schools, governmental agencies) with large numbers of water users and in 90 households in Irbid, Ajloun and Mafraq governorates (30 households per governorate). Installed devices will include water saving devices for faucets, showerheads and toilets and a water audit to determine the amount of water saved. - Expanding sales by opening new channels and signing agreements with 15 distributors and retailers located in the selected governorates. - Marketing and promotion campaigns including their websites, social media accounts and printing materials.
United Plastic Containers (UNITEX), a manufacturer of plastic products, has implemented eight rainwater harvesting projects (five households and three communal sites - one mosque and two schools) and has received two additional requests through the Project’s revolving loan mechanism.
2.2 Water conserving technologies and services are affordable to households
During the reporting period, WIT continued to facilitate financial solutions to help households adopt water saving technologies through loans and identifying lower/alternative cost technologies affordable for households.
Intervention Area: Identify alternative affordable water-saving technologies for households to adopt.
As part of the introduction of WST to potential new customers, WIT conducted a launching event at the Ajloun Nature Reserve, on January 20, 2020, where 24 participants attended including CBOs, NGOs and suppliers’ representatives. The event included an introduction on the WIT project followed by a presentation on the currently installed WSTs which included decentralized wastewater treatment units, greywater treatment units, and dry sanitation units. Afterwards, a field visit to the demonstration site pilots in Ajloun and Jerash took place and participants expressed a strong interest in the visited technologies. A similar event was held in Mafraq on January 28, including 37 participants.
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Intervention Area: Facilitate financial solutions for households to adopt water-saving technologies. The increased knowledge among households on the benefits of adopting WST linked to the availability of these products/suppliers and the development of financial solutions has triggered a gradual adoption of WST through the Project’s revolving loans tool. Throughout the reporting period, WIT disbursed a total of 46 loans (25 loans in Ajloun and 21 in Mafraq) for a total of JOD 112,400. Four of the loans will be used for the installation of above ground plastic tanks, one loan will be used to install an underground plastic tank and the remaining 41 loans, in the construction of pear shape wells. These loans are expected to account for 1,320 m³of water saved. Since the launch of the revolving loan activity in July 2019, WIT has disbursed 124 loans (33% of which have been distributed to women) have been disbursed for a total of JOD 276,305. These loans have been disbursed by seven CBOs and water savings of the technologies purchased through the revolving loan, are expected to account for 6,885 m³ of water saved1.
After the initial five CBOs succeeded in disbursing loans for the adoption of WST in Ajlon and Mafraq, WIT has expanded its intervention areas to Irbid, Jerash and Azraq along with the number of CBOs implementing the revolving loans activity. During the reporting period, 16 new subaward agreements were signed with new CBOs. By the end of March 2020, a total of 21 CBOs is disbursing revolving loans for the adoption of water saving technologies. The following map shows the distribution of CBOs per governorate. WIT’s Revolving Loan Intervention Areas
New CBOs were trained for five days by RSS, Souktel and Dinarak reaching a total of 92 participants (47 women and 45 men). The training material (Annex 3) included the following topics: ● Responsible Financing ● Subaward Milestones ● Agreements ● Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan ● Gender ● Digital Financial Services ● Loan Management System
Additionally, and in an effort to support new CBOs through qualified staff from the pilot loan management activity, WIT selected five people (based on their knowledge on the LMS system and digital financial services) to provide new CBOs with technical support on digital financial services and in the use of the loan management system. After being trained in the use of the system, customer service and communication skills, these “WIT champions” are ready to begin delivering their services to new CBOs in the use of the
1 Rainwater harvesting (110 structures including pear-shape and plastic tanks) assuming that both types are connected to the rooftop: 5734.9 m3. Grey water reuse (2): 87.6 m3. RO filters (11): 353.85 m3. 1 toilet: 30.13 m3.
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As part of the evaluation process and after nine months of the launch of the revolving loan activity, CBOs were evaluated to determine their performance and identify opportunities to implement corrective measures if necessary. The results of that assessment determined that three CBOs were no longer eligible for funding while three scored positively.
Lastly and due to the COVID 19 crisis, WIT has faced some challenges with households adopting WST with a reduction in the number of new loan requests and delays with the installation of different WST. To mitigate further implementation delays, WIT is in the process of providing CBOs that are able to work from home, with access to the loan management system (LMS) system to process loans. In the meantime, CBOs are preparing a list of interested beneficiaries and collecting the necessary documentation.
2.3 Households receive information or messages regarding water-related topics
Households are aware of water scarcity problems in general, but they tend to lack understanding of the extent of the problem, resources and causes but more importantly, solutions. Communities and households lack information about the availability, the costs and benefits of adopting improved water-saving practices and technologies at home. To address the information/knowledge related-barriers and uptake in the adoption of water-saving practices and technologies by households, WIT is working to increase the knowledge of the demand and supply market sides.
Intervention Area: Increase knowledge at the demand side regarding water-saving solutions. To promote behavioral change among younger age groups, WIT utilizes behavior change campaigns towards the adoption of water saving practices and technologies. After the presentation of the Community Initiatives for Water Saving (CIWS) to CBOs and youth centers, a total of 33 concept notes were received by WIT. These proposals have been evaluated by a committee (which includes Mercy Corps, JRF and RSS representatives) and as a result, 12 concept notes have been selected to continue the evaluation process. A gender lens has been taken into consideration during the review to ensure that projects were gender- sensitive and responsive.
Acknowledging the vital role of media in both influencing and shaping public opinion on water conservation issues and its influence in the perception, attitude, and behavior of the public to conserve water, WIT believes that one of the major constraints to technology adoption is that media outlets lack a clear understanding of what water-shortage solutions exist and how to properly deliver these messages. To address this constraint the Project contracted the CDFJ to support WIT in strengthening the capacities of journalists, TV and radio reports, bloggers, social media activists and other target groups on a variety of water conservation issues in agriculture and households through the elaboration of a market assessment to identify the constraints which restrain media outlets from delivering quality messaging around household and farm-level solutions to the water shortages. The results of this assessment will guide WIT in building the capacity of journalists and other media target groups on solutions-oriented reporting to pave the way for a network of constructive water journalism in Jordan. This initiative will involve meteorological organizations and agents working in main TV and radio stations to provide weather forecast data to enhance water efficiency in farms. The successful design and implementation of this initiative will influence Jordanians by bringing them reliable news and information about water issues. Individual and household water-conserving behaviors are expected to respond positively to exposure to better targeted relevant information and promotions for specific behaviors and technologies.
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In line with the WIT communication and outreach strategy, the Project conducted introductory meetings with Haya Cultural Center (HCC) to discuss potential cooperation opportunities to increase awareness among children and their parents on water conservation through theoretical drama. Educating children, youth and their families about water conservation has an important impact in achieving long behavioral change as children have a very strong influence on the family purchase decisions. The project developed a concept note that describes a partnership with HCC to increase the knowledge of children (age 6 – 13 years) on the benefits of water saving practices and technologies. As part of this initiative, the Project will utilize HCC’s long experience in using puppet theater to disseminate key messages among children on the issue of water conservation. HCC will organize five focus groups with relevant stakeholders to ensure that all aspects related to water conservation are included in the design and development of the scenario. Based on the results of the FGDs, HCC will work closely with the WIT project and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to design and develop the scenario. HCC will train the actors to perform the play and design a game with purposeful messages to be distributed to children during the performances. Additionally, HCC will organize 10 discussions, one in each governorate with children and their families to get their feedback on the show. This intervention will be implemented in the Project’s five targeted governorates, including Amman, to reach 10,000 children and their families through 65 performances. It will be implemented over an eight-month period with an overall budget of JOD 90,000.
During February and March 2020, the Project prepared to commemorate World Water Day 2020 in six schools in the governorates in Jerash and Irbid although the final celebration had to be postponed due to COVID-19 and movement restrictions in the country. Through its partner RSS, the Project trained environmental committees in schools where it has already installed rainwater harvesting systems, and will conduct water-saving awareness sessions for more than 3,200 students aged between 12-15. Accordingly, the project mentored each committee to design its own water-saving activities based on the available resources. To trigger a water saving behavior among students, the project designed a five-minute shower challenge supported by glass clocks and waterproof stickers with instructions. In this challenge, the student will install the glass clock and the sticker in their bathroom and flip them over to start showering, if there is still sand in the top of the glass clock when the student is done, the student will have beaten the challenge which means that he/she has conserved water. The glass clocks and stickers will be distributed as soon as possible to students in branded bags which will carry a water-saving message.
The Project believes that CBOs are critical in triggering the necessary market changes. WIT has partnered with CBOs to conduct awareness sessions and outreach activities to educate household-level participants about the benefits of water-saving practices and technologies. During the reporting period 106 awareness- raising sessions were implemented with the participation of 1,903 attendees (1,364 female and 539 male), as shown in the below table. Of the attendees, 47% were youth participants (See Annex 4: CBO Awareness Sessions during Q2, FY20).
January-March 2020 Awareness Sessions
Attendees Month # of Sessions Total Male Female
January 2020 46 207 650 857
February 2020 44 228 554 782
March 2020 16 104 160 264
Total 106 539 1,364 1,903
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To support and enhance the communication efforts of partner CBOs, WIT has designed offline products for mass distribution to households. The products included an awareness brochure and two mass flyers which promote water-saving devices and systems. All the products feature the requirements and the contact details of CBOs and the branches of the Agriculture Credit Corporation that offer revolving loans.
As the COVID-19 health crises hit Jordan toward the end of the current quarter, no major impact was suffered on the outreach sessions. However, in preparation to the upcoming quarter the WIT team had to design and develop a response plan to continue delivering awareness sessions. A survey was developed by WIT, with the support of JRF, to define and determine the optimal online tool/s and techniques that can be best utilized by the CBOs to keep conducting their assigned sessions. All partner CBOs and youth centers were contacted and asked about the specific technology or online programs or apps they use, their level of activeness on the online platforms and the level of skills they have/ need in order to deliver online sessions to the household community. (See Annex 5: Online Awareness Assessment for CBOs). The assessment concluded that online awareness sessions will not be effective given the large amount of information around COVID-19, and therefore, will not achieve the intended impact. WIT will try different approaches to continue delivering awareness messages to communities, on best practices and technologies to conserve water, through suppliers and social media channels.
2.4 Community based water projects are completed in areas with high rates of Syrian refugees
To help meet the increasing demands due to population growth and Syrian refugee’s presence, the Project identified, with the support of CBOs and community leaders, communal water saving projects that will increase water availability to reduce the pressure on the public water network and other water supplies.
Intervention Area: Support communal water-saving projects
During the reporting quarter, WIT has worked on the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans (EMMPs) and designs for Wadi Shuaib Dam in Balqa and Al Ghadeer Al Abyyad Dam in Mafraq. Construction work at Deir Al Kahef Dam and Al Ramtha dam has been on hold since the beginning of the year due to weather conditions and is expected to be further delayed given the COVID-19 outburst in the country. The team has begun working with contractors to develop a contingency plan to expedite construction work once mobility is re-established.
Additionally, and to educate children and youth about water conservation, RSS has selected five schools to implement the water-saving interventions, which will be supported by training and awareness sessions.
Governorate School Name Technology to be Installed
GW with Drip Irrigation Network, RWH, RO Filter, and Ajloun Al Hashmia for Boys WSD.
Ajloun Al Hashmia for Girls (KG) RWH, and RO Filter.
Ajloun Anjarah (KG) RWH, GW with Drip Irrigation System, and RO Filter.
Ajloun Alzobair Ben Alawwam (KG) RWH, and WSD.
Ajloun Anjarah for Boys RWH, and RO Filter.
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Implementation Risks and Challenges
The globe is facing a crisis of unprecedented scale, urgency and complexity than at any time since the Second World War. COVID-19 is expected to infect millions of people, with many hundreds of thousands likely to die as the pandemic continues to spread around the world; but the impact goes far beyond the immediate effects of the illness. The pandemic is already devastating economies and will strain the political and social fabric of many including Jordan where all airports, seaport and border crossings are closed. All flights arriving or departing Jordanian civil airports were suspended with exemptions on cargo flights followed by a restrictive curfew in place since March 21, 2020. Most recently a partial curfew with limited movement and essential services open has been applied. The government has announced another 14 days of quarantine from 1 to 15 April that will likely expand until the end of the month and beyond.
Within the Agriculture sector many challenges have surfaced; a consequence of the Governments movement restrictions included that farm owners, farm managers, farm workers and suppliers had to step away from their farms and did not operate as under normal circumstances. Culturally, March is the month where most maintenance and preparation of land and purchase of equipment and irrigation systems takes place. However, due to weather conditions and increased rainfalls in the first quarter, maintenance was pushed further in the year. From an agronomic perspective, these are the months where workers are needed most in the farm (to plow, manage pest control, apply fertilizers, etc.) and being suppliers the ones that provide these services, with a broken supply chain, farmers’ requirements might not be met.
Given the current scenario WIT had to adapt to the different challenges resulting from the Government decision to address COVID-19 as these decisions are changing dramatically, making it difficult to predict farmers and suppliers' next steps. Given the current global economic changes, it is expected that many farmers won't be able to purchase as suppliers will most likely prefer cash payments. Farmers' adoption and investment in WST will decrease and suppliers' sales will be affected, compromising their flexibility, commitment and contribution towards the project. For the delivery of training sessions, as indicated above and following government restrictions, the Project began communicating with suppliers and farmers to assess their status and will be providing weekly updates. For the delivery of training sessions, all scheduled sessions for April will shift to online training sessions.
As for the Household component, and with the enforced closure of business, distributors and retailers, WIT expects that the adoption of technologies will decrease for the upcoming quarter and will impact the amount of water saved. However, WIT is working with current partners on their market and social media campaigns and developing online content (videos, brochures and other messages) which will also serve CBOs on their outreach and awareness messaging. WIT will assess the effectiveness of this approach during the upcoming quarter.
As construction work is suspended, improvements on communal projects did not progress during this quarter. However, WIT has updated the communal project risk assessment matrix (Annex 6) and has continued to meet with design firms and contractors to expedite the construction process once movement restrictions are lifted.
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Cross-cutting Themes
Gender
Gender was mainstreamed into the data collection, analysis and reporting of the loan management assessment performed during this quarter. The assessment included questions related to the financial profile of loan recipients, who the decision-makers regarding choice of technology were at the household level and recipient feedback on loan products and processes. All findings were sex-disaggregated. The findings gave valuable insight into the gender-responsive nature of the revolving loan processes and procedures, including some areas of miscommunication related to loan disbursement for women, who made up 14% of recipients in Q2. As a result, WIT has added sections covering responsible financing and gender equity to the CBO revolving loans manual and training. WIT will continue to follow up closely with CBOs and loan recipients to ensure that messages around gender are consistent and clear.
Considering the learning mentioned in the point above, and as part of the expansion of the loan management system, training sessions for 16 CBOs and the Jordan Credit Corporation representatives were held during February 2020 in the governorates of Ajloun, Jerash, Irbid, Mafraq and Azraq. A total of 92 attendees (47 female and 45 male) attended training on responsible financing, sub-award milestones, gender in finance, digital financial services and the use of the LMS. The training will allow the CBOs to effectively manage their revolving loans.
WIT has identified “champions” (four young female and one male CBO staff) that the Project has been supporting through training and who have displayed a strong understanding of the LMS and digital finance services. They will be providing WIT’s new CBOs with technical support on digital financial services and the use of the loan management system. WIT champions will be responsible for responding to CBO inquiries, paying site visits to the CBOs and preparing and submitting monthly progress reports. After supporting CBOs with largely administrative work, these youth have received marketable skills and an opportunity to improve their financial status.
Given that WIT has mainstreamed gender into most awareness sessions and CBO training, the Project continues to exceed its target regarding the number of community meetings and educational events that expand social dialogue on gender equality. Awareness sessions continue to highlight important topics including the definition of gender, the difference between gender and sex, gender norms and the different roles of family members, as well as how these concepts link water conservation issues, while the LMS trainings covered responsible financing from a gender equity perspective.
Gender sensitivity was considered during the evaluation of the community initiatives for water saving CIWS. The 33 concept notes received by WIT were reviewed through a gender lens and 12 have been selected to move to the next phase of the evaluation process, which will continue to be implemented with a gender perspective.
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Monitoring and Evaluation
During this quarter, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team worked with different components to ensure data is systematically collected, verified, analyzed, documented and retained. In reviewing the quality of the performance monitoring information that the Project produces the M&E team undertook an internal Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) for Jordan River Foundation (JRF) using USAID’s DQA Checklist as well as other measures including random sample checks and document verifications. During this internal DQA, Indicator 13: Number of people educated on tools, approaches, and/or methods for water security, integrated water resource management, and/or water source protection as a result of USG assistance (M-PMP 3.3.2.1.a) was checked, and no quality-related issues were found. The M&E team also checked JRF’s new Information Management System to ensure that it is operating to the project’s expectations and requirements.
In addition to this, and as part of WIT’s Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) efforts, a meeting was held with partners in March 2020 to explore and discuss the different CLA findings that have emerged from implementing different Project activities, and to explore further areas and topics of study. This meeting allowed WIT to establish a common understanding of CLA and its purpose with partners, to ensure that all learning opportunities are used optimally. In line with this training, the M&E team worked with the Agriculture and Household components and supporting functions to develop a learning plan that prioritizes key learning questions. These learning questions were designed with the Results Chains and Theory of Change in mind, and are expected to provide important findings that will enable the project to improve and adapt activities and interventions. The updated learning agenda has been completed for both the Agriculture and Household components and will be shared separately with USAID for additional feedback. A number of learning studies were finalized during this quarter include the Rapid Assessment of Supplier Trainings (Annex 7), A case study on the cost benefits of investing in water saving technologies (Annex 8), and Assessment of the Effectiveness, Learning and Impact of WIT’s Revolving Loans (See Annex 9).
During April 2020 WIT will provide a report on the effect of COVID-19 on the Project indicators as changes affecting agriculture’s water saving season and mobility restrictions will have direct effects on the implementation of activities.
Semi Annual and Quarterly Indicators – LOP achieved vs. LOP targets
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# Performance Indicator Target Achieved LOP LOP FY20 Q2 FY20 Target Achieved
Semi-Annual Indicators (Q1&Q2) FY20
Number of farmers that converted or adopted 5 improved water saving technologies and/or 50 7 200 38 practices (custom)
Number of people who use financial services for 9 140 106 210 161 water saving technology adoption (custom)
Number of people reached through different social 11 1,500,000 842,034 4,100,000 3,001,855 behavior campaigns
Quarter Indicators (Q2) FY20
Number of market actors that offer new 7 15 0 40 34 technologies, products or services (custom)
Number of formal partnerships established among 8 private sector, civil society, or government actors 15 0 65 63 (custom)
10 Number of farmers that receive advisory services 35 0 250 229
Number of people educated on tools, approaches, and/or methods of water security, integrated water 13 4,680 2,476 14,950 11,329 resource management and/or water source protection as a result of USG assistance
Percentage of female participants in USG - 14 assisted programs to increase access to productive 10% 25.5% 10% 25% economic resource (GNDER-2) (F indicator 4.3.b)
Number of USG - supported community meetings 15 and educational events that expand social dialogue 20 109 70 291 on gender equality (Mission indicator 4.1.b)
Indicator 5: Number of farmers that converted or adopted improved water saving technologies and/or practices.
(Target FY20: 50 – Achieved Q1&Q2 FY20: 7)
Irrigation systems were optimized in seven farms in Azraq and Mafraq governorates. Farmers who have previously adopted improved water saving technologies expanded the installation of PC drippers in their farms. The conversion or adoption of improved water saving technologies is governed by weather conditions. During January and February, the rainy season was still heavy and good quantities of water were collected from rainfall. This altered the maintenance period start date and installation and maintenance of new technologies was expected to increase in March. The majority of farmers were unable to do so because of COVID-19 and the governmental decisions related to this pandemic.
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The number of adopters is expected to increase during the next quarter due to the installation of WST for the remaining hectares of investment fund related activities. However, Government decisions have affected suppliers and farmers (movement restrictions and availability of goods) and with global economic changes, farmers might not have the financial capacity to purchase technologies and will need to rely on other financial mechanisms.
As part of the government’s decision to enact complete lock down, WIT was not allowed to visit field activities for verification purposes.
Indicator 9: Number of people who use financial services for water saving technology adoption
(Target FY20: 140 – Achieved Q1&Q2 FY20: 106)
Indicator nine is a semi- annual indicator. During the first six months, WIT disbursed 106 loans, 20 during the first quarter and 46 during the second quarter in addition to seven loans disbursed by JCB and 33 loans from ACC. Since the launch of the revolving loans activity in June 2019, the Project has maintained an excellent level of close follow up and monitoring processes with CBOs, providing them with ongoing guidance and support through continuous technical support on how to use the system, and how to monitor the repayment process with participants.
During this quarter WIT expanded its revolving loans interventions to Jerash, Irbid and Azraq after delivering an intensive training program. This training included the support of existing CBOs.
WIT has concluded the product design initiatives for two-partnered financial institutions and has been working closely with different market actors to facilitate and to provide technical support to help them understand the market needs and ensure long term sustainability.
Indicator 11: Number of people reached through different social behavior change campaigns
(Target FY20: 1,500,000 – Achieved Q1&Q2 FY20: 842,034)
The Project has installed outdoor signs in six schools in Irbid and Jerash, and in 14 CBOs in Irbid, Azraq, Mafraq and Ajloun and has distributed different communications materials including mural posters, SMS messages, stickers, notepads, brochures, and other project branded materials.
Additionally, the Project is circulating WIT success stories, weekly news monitors through different media platforms including USAID’s, to reach more people and increase the awareness on water issues and water saving technologies.
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Indicator 7: Number of market actors that offer new technologies, products or services
(Target FY20: 15 – Achieved Q2 FY20: 0)
Since launching the revolving loans, CBOs signed contracts with selected contractors to build pear shaped water tanks for people who applied for this loan to ensure high quality standards are followed. Four CBOs signed a total of 41 new contracts with suppliers. However, due to the country lockdown this number was collected through the LMS system and the number could not be verified. The number will be updated and reported in the next quarterly report.
Indicator 8: Number of formal partnerships established among private sector, civil society or government actors
(Target FY20: 15 – Achieved Q2 FY20: 0)
During this quarter, WIT project did not officially sign any partnership agreements. However, contract renewals with the existing market actors were finalized and signed by all current partners and market actors.
Indicator 10: Number of farmers that receive advisory services
(Target FY20: 35 – Achieved Q2 FY20: 0)
During this quarter, no field days were conducted due to the maintenance period and the rainy weather. Additionally, since the end of February 2020 and due to COVID-19, suppliers were advised to avoid large gatherings thus they were not able to conduct any field days.
Indicator 13: Number of people educated on tools, approaches, and/or methods for water security, integrated water resource management, and/or water source protection as a result of USG assistance (M-PMP 3.3.2.1.a) (F HL.8.3-1)
(FY20 Target: 4,680 – Achieved Q2 FY20: 2,476)
CBOs succeeded in delivering 109 awareness sessions for their local communities. The awareness sessions aim at raising the local communities’ awareness about water related issues in Jordan and the available technologies, practices that can be adopted to save water and integrating gender in the water saving practices. Additionally, WIT conducted three trainings on the use of the LMS to three CBOs in Irbid and Mafraq.
During this quarter, WIT also supported suppliers of water-saving technologies to improve their knowledge by conducting two training courses. Training sessions covered key managerial and technical topics in communication, and water accounting.
Additionally, WIT conducted two launching events (one in Ajloun and one in Mafraq) with CBOs, NGOs and suppliers and two awareness sessions to two universities and six schools. The objective of this activity is to empower the Jordanian youth, particularly university students, to implement a range of innovative communal environmental initiatives/interventions that promote water conservation/efficiency.
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The target for number of people educated for this quarter was 1,170 people. However, the Project exceeded its target by 211% reaching 2,476 people. The reason for this is that, initially, when setting the targets, it was not expected that this number of CBOs and Youth Centers would progress to this stage of the Project and continue to deliver the awareness-raising sessions. As such, more awareness-raising sessions were conducted than initially expected, and thus more community members were reached.
Indicator 14: Percentage of female participants in USG-assisted programs designed to increase access to productive economic resource (GNDR-2)
(Target FY20: 10% - Achieved Q2 FY20: 25.5%)
During the past six months, WIT has succeeded in disbursing 106 loans, 26 of them for female beneficiaries, equal to 25.5% from the overall loans.
Indicator 15: Number of USG-supported community meetings and educational events that expand social dialogue on gender equality (M-PMP 4.1b)
(Target FY20: 20 – Achieved Q2 FY20: 109)
For this quarter, the importance of gender equality in water conservation was one of the main components of the awareness sessions conducted by CBOs and as part of the LMS Training. The awareness sessions highlighted important topics including the definition of gender, the difference between gender and sex, gender norms and the different roles of family members, as well as how these concepts can be linked to water conservation issues. The LMS trainings also included responsible financing topics from a gender equity perspective. WIT exceeded its target as the number of CBOs increased this quarter, and gender equality messaging was initially integrated into the awareness sessions conducted by all CBOs.
CBOs Revolving Loans Training – Irbid.
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Geographic Data Reporting
Below is a list with all the activities and locations that the WIT project has pursued during the reporting period.
Agriculture - Demonstration Sites, Early Adopters and Investment Fund
No. Farm Name Locati GPS Intervention on
Engaged in three interventions: - Demonstration site carried out by MAIS 32.314247 1 Ayman Abu Kishik Mafraq - Demonstration site implemented by 36.392448 Tadsheen - Early adopter. Optimized his irrigation system in March 2019
31.857456 Demonstration Site & Investment Fund 2 Dr. Ahmad Safadi Azraq 36.987869 (Removed)
32.333716 3 Sultan Aljamarah Mafraq Demonstration Site & Investment Fund 36.349150
32.467656 4 Basheer Ghazzawi Mafraq Demonstration Site 36.149945
32.250001 5 Ala’a Al Soboh Mafraq Demonstration Site 36.624526
32.23072 6 Tareq Al Weer Mafraq Demonstration Site & Investment Fund 36.21782
31.80542 7 Faris Al Akiely Azraq Demonstration Site 37.00719
AbdelKareem Fayyad 8 Zyoud Azraq 31.844851 Demonstration Site & Investment fund 36.931543 9 Ali Al Zayoud
32.170880 10 Hasan Salem Mafraq Demonstration Site (Removed) 36.687324
Fadel Al-Mugherbi has several farms. One of his farms is already installed by 32.221529 11 Fadel Al-Mugherbi Mafraq optimized irrigation system of PC 36.264839 drippers. Another one is going to be a part of demonstration sites
32.20377 12 Abdallah Al Zaben Mafraq Investment Fund 36.30470
32.28578 Investment Fund & Early Adopter 13 Zumot Group Mafraq 36.13555
32.247 14 Shwekeni Mafraq Investment Fund 36.313
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32.230000 15 Abdallah Sawalmeh Mafraq Investment Fund 36.738055
31.9006 Investment Fund 16 Moayad Khail Rodwan Azraq 36.8593
32.2344 17 Ahmad Msallam Sheraa Mafraq Investment Fund 36.7204
32.2344 Investment Fund 18 Sami Al Hamayde Mafraq 36.7207
32.2441670 Investment Fund & Early Adopter 19 Wajeeh Al Hamayde Mafraq 36.6176670
32.354166 20 Yehya Al-Mugherbi Mafraq Investment Fund 36.45166
32.2347333 Investment Fund 21 Mousa AL-Hamayde Mafraq 36.4870833
32.5069333 22 Abdallah Sarhan Mafraq Investment Fund 36.174467
Islamil & Bassam 32.3337100 Investment Fund & Early Adopter 23 Mafraq Hamayde 36.5416280
32.200972 24 Salem Al Roumi Mafraq Investment Fund ( Removed ) 36.331778
32.232636 25 Eid Hamayde Mafraq Early Adopters 36.615282
32.307035 Investment Fund 26 Riad Daghbouseh Mafraq 36.393898
Mohammad Taleb Abu 32.2911 27 Mafraq Investment Fund Eleem 35.9828
31.8365760, 36.9226510 31.86806, 28 Al-Barakeh Farms Azraq Investment Fund 36.0259430 31.833907, 36.9278630
31.8533710 29 Ali Hasan Arafat Azraq Investment Fund 36.8224320
31.85861111 30 Ahmad Suhaim Azraq Investment Fund 36.97083333
31.864683 31 Al Soudi Farm Azraq Investment Fund 37.012003
31.870696 32 Rakan Muhareb Azraq Investment Fund 37.019650
31.898341 33 Salameh Sarhan Azraq Investment Fund 36.965681
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31.8951220 Investment Fund 34 Mohammad Khataibeh Azraq 36.8617360
31.894530 35 Yosri Al-Jazi Azraq Investment Fund 36.990168
31.8819 36 Bateekha Farm Azraq Investment Fund 36.8561
31.801179 37 Msameh Al Arabeed Azraq Investment Fund 37.015617
Mohannad Safadi + 31.894623 38 Hazem & Mohammad Azraq Investment Fund 36.876560 Khataibeh
Household
No Description Governorate GPS
Communal Projects
1 32.3645556, Queen Rania Pond – Sakhra pond Ajloun 35.8057222
32.4624722, 2 Bowiedah Dam – Ramtha Irbid 36.0483333
32.2825278, 3 Dier Al-Kahef Dam – Dier AL-Kahef. Mafraq 36.8391111
Demonstration Sites
32.3830556, 1 Decentralized Wastewater System Ajloun 35.8075277
32.34525 2 Grey-water System at the CBO Mafraq 36.19225
32.1989444, 3 Grey-water System at the house Mafraq 36.3080555
32.3452778, 4 Dry sanitation units Mafraq 36.1921111
32.3774167, 5 Dry sanitation units Ajloun 35.7639166
Investment Fund
32.499523, 1 Petra Company – Irbid Amman 36.022057
2 Alaman Comprehensive Trd. Co - Amman Amman 31.94386
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35.7669799
31.814577, 3 United Plastic Containers - Unitex Amman 36.081127
31.971606, 4 Azal Engineering Solutions - Solvillion Amman 35.832846
32.27881, 4.1 Solvillion – Greywater reuse system Jerash 35.89364
32.30318, 4.2 Solvillion – Greywater reuse system Ajloun 35.76123
32.34313, 4.3 Solvillion – Greywater reuse system Mafraq 36.20443
32.57329, 4.4 Solvillion – Greywater reuse system Irbid 35.77976
Community Based Organizations
Awareness Revolvin No. Gov. Name GPS Session g Loan
https://goo.gl/maps/DLV4 1 Kufranjah Women Charitable Society X X VT9NjiTJZ3zA6
Fatimah Al Zahra’a Cooperative https://goo.gl/maps/9e3ai4 2 X X Multipurpose Society NWXbb2FmBdA
Um Lulu for Women Cooperative https://goo.gl/maps/VfYK5 3 X X Multipurpose Society WNtkGE44MzC8
Al Zaytuna Cooperative multipurpose 32.297473, 4 X X Ajloun Society 35.703563
Salah Al-Din charity association for the https://goo.gl/maps/5yh7rT 5 care of People with Disabilities and X X qBEp2XJeWb6 Orphans
32.338196, 6 Al Baaj Cooperative X 35.751551
7 https://goo.gl/maps/Cn9S7 Ajloun Women Center X dK7YMPSJy1Z9
8 https://maps.app.goo.gl/RR Tebnah Charity Association X X XikJaE3JLUEjDMA
9 Alwostiyah Voluntary Society for Student https://maps.app.goo.gl/mf Irbid X X Patronization 6ELoYRSze8fbcN9
10 Amrawah Association for Social https://maps.app.goo.gl/T X X Development MCjPkMFiCGn2Rvo7
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11 https://maps.app.goo.gl/SU Kitem charity X X 9BwXg2C5SrWije8
12 https://maps.app.goo.gl/N Idoun Charity X X W7p3dSqhogN4pw36
13 https://maps.app.goo.gl/9z Rehaba Charitable Society X X 5e8YdKdM3N7v3N6
14 Tahfeez Society for Leadership and https://maps.app.goo.gl/q4 X X development 8SBiQPfQLFtHtc9
15 https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dt Kinanah Charity Society X X U3j2hTzFqcJ5As7
16 AL Mazar Youth Association for https://maps.app.goo.gl/5e X X Voluntary Work GZwkkFemAj7Krw9
17 https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ao Dair Abi Saeed Charitable Cooperative X ZSTJ5q2WmDmzoX8
18 https://maps.app.goo.gl/Aj Houfa Cooperative X ucqBQFD6BW3sa27
19 https://maps.app.goo.gl/nB Al Ramtha Women Center X yzFH3pVvGJJsos5
20 https://goo.gl/maps/wLAb Rawabet Al Salam Charitable Cooperative X BGc4ePu2PyDw6
21 https://goo.gl/maps/MFyrD Irbid Youth Center X Waw9CFsmyJ3A
22 https://goo.gl/maps/DKfB6 Al Shuna Women Center X zQaapvVEVy67
23 https://goo.gl/maps/zP2xc Hartha Cooperative X wyD8v5UiX3y5
24 Ayadi Al Badyeh Cooperative https://maps.app.goo.gl/iEa X X Multipurpose Society owUNa5fvguNkz6
25 Abaq Al Sahraa Cooperative Multipurpose https://maps.app.goo.gl/vn X X Society eAeYHFeVUgctPu5
26 https://maps.app.goo.gl/JF Mafraq Good Land Charity Society X X C5AbXVT7mu97Xw6
27 Jameiat Deir Alkahf Liltanmial https://maps.app.goo.gl/uD X X Alaijtimaeit DUjrugmUARAhWz5
28 https://maps.app.goo.gl/c5a Najm Albadeyeh Cooperative X gvSWuRAViQ3Zq6
29 https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ae El Orfan Charity Society X X WSQQFtVV5vKteR8 Azraq 30 Nashmyat Al-badia Alsharqiya https://maps.app.goo.gl/fqc X X Cooperative Society for Women hVTWkhWcAFGAf8
31 https://map.app.goo.gl/fgN Jerash X X Mersal Charity Society Tms4vSe4mDh237
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32 https://maps.app.goo.gl/W Kufr Khal youth center X doaChyaHSBYRwZn9
33 https://maps.app.goo.gl/v3 Souf charitable cooperative X LDsUBTHFvYTMFa9
34 https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qy Darb Alsefsaf cooperative X VRBaV3mRq8ono18
35 https://maps.app.goo.gl/5R Al Khair Mana charitable cooperative X EGvzFrtFrjCJQV6
36 https://maps.app.goo.gl/GT Jerash women center X RbgP7Z9Wdaw8Yb6
37 Shabat Al mostaqbal charitable https://goo.gl/maps/JPo63v X cooperative im9492
38 https://goo.gl/maps/GJyFic Sama Al Alia charitable cooperative X ZKqbH2
39 https://map.app.goo.gl/kJR Ihsan Souf charitable cooperative X 8cVrxhcSjri7V9
TraiNet Report
WIT updates USAID’s TraiNet system on a quarterly basis. For the reporting quarter, data was updated accordingly, for in country and international trainings.
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Success Story
On-Farm Weather Stations Drive Farmers to Conserve Water and Save Money
Farmers lack access to information and advice about the benefits of adopting improved irrigation practices and technologies, when to irrigate, how to and how much to irrigate. The USAID Water Innovation Technologies (WIT) Project supports market actors to arm farmers with farm-specific data to make better-informed irrigation decisions. A recent study conducted by the project shows that most farmers in the north of Jordan, who are completely dependent on groundwater to water their crops, over- irrigate their crops. WIT is working with the suppliers of irrigation equipment to persuade farmers to invest in water-saving Weather Station installed in Azraq. irrigation equipment and practices.
Recently, WIT partnered with the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM), a local non-governmental organization, to install the first on-farm weather stations in three agricultural areas in the north of Jordan. The weather stations will provide raw data on the weather, soil, and crops. INWRDAM, with technical support from International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, non-profit agricultural research center, will analyze the data to put into the hands of farmers and suppliers ready to use information on the required amount of water per dunum and irrigation hours on daily and/or weekly basis.
As a pilot, twenty farmers will receive this free-of-charge advice to manage their irrigation events through a mobile application and accordingly save up to 300 m3 of water per dunum and JOD 30/dunum/year from their energy bill. This service will also assist technology suppliers to determine the capacity of the irrigation network based on actual crop needs while taking into consideration peak periods and growth stages. Additionally, suppliers will be able to guide farmers with irrigation scheduling tips. The weather data will remain available free-of-charge during the lifetime of the project. After March 2022, the Jordan Meteorological Department will provide accurate weather data at a discounted fee to willing farmers and suppliers of irrigation equipment.
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Annexes
Annex 1: Crop Water Requirement Factsheets.
Annex 2: Product Design Features to Finance Water-Saving Irrigation Systems.
Annex 3: Training Material for CBOs.
Annex 4: CBO Awareness Sessions during Q2, FY20.
Annex 5: CBOs Online Assessment Report.
Annex 6: Project Risk Assessment Matrix for Communal Projects.
Annex 7: Rapid Assessment of Supplier Trainings.
Annex 8: Case Study on the Cost-Benefits of Investing in WST.
Annex 9: Assessment of the Effectiveness, Learning and Impact of WIT’s revolving loans.
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WATER INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES PROJECT
MERCY CORPS SEVENTH CIRCLE, 3 TABASHEER STREET, BUILDING NO. 8, P.O. BOX 830684, AMMAN 11183 JORDAN. PHONE: (+962) 6 554 8570/1/2, FAX: (+962) 6 554 8573. EMAIL: [email protected] WWW.MERCYCORPS.ORG
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