An evaluation study of the Abyed settlement project, southern Jordan

Abstract EN

-Agricultural projects were the main Jordanian strategy to develop the desert part of the country and to solve the socioeconomic problems of its people.

It was the purpose of this study to evaluate the achievements of one of these projects, namely the Abyed project.

Field survey conducted by this writer in Abyed showed that the project achieved partial success with high costs.

Fodder produced from the project was sold outside the area and was not fed to local animals.

The range was encroached without any governmental action.

The reclaimed land in Abyed provided a variety of food for local people.

Local people settled in self-built houses because they were dissatisfied with the institutional housing.

They asked for interest-free loans to improve their houses or build new ones.

Water was distributed to the new settled community.

The low level of education and health care provided should be upgraded.

In addition, other social services such as electric power, adult education and Veterinary services were needed.

Income from the project was insufficient for the settlers to survive.

The project was too expensive, and not selfsupporting.

It benefited only a small number of people.

Partial success of the project depended bn continuous governmental subsidies, namely for water, fodder, and social services.