The United States and Jordan have worked as partners in development since 1957. Today, USAID’s development strategy includes programs in education, water, economic development, energy, democracy, rights and governance, health, gender equality, and female empowerment. 

USAID also supports Jordan’s efforts to address increased challenges resulting from the influx of refugees, while building resiliency to support national stability.

DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE

USAID strengthens democratic accountability in Jordan through improving democratic institutions and civic participation. USAID programs support civil society, promote human rights through democratic reforms, strengthen representative political parties, promote free and fair elections, and enhance community resilience. USAID also supports local governance and decentralization, rule of law, and transparency. The inclusion of women, youth, people with disabilities, and refugees in all programs is a priority in order to improve democratic processes, service delivery, and social cohesion, particularly for communities hosting Syrian refugees. USAID’s partners include national democratic institutions, regional governments, municipal governments, and civil society actors. To date, USAID has provided over 100 grants to civil society organizations and over 150 grants to communities hosting Syrian refugees, trained over 10,000 youth to participate in national elections, and developed strategies to improve the rule of law and public accountability.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY

USAID programs promote economic growth by improving the business-enabling environment, increasing competitiveness, linking skilled workers with employment, and helping vulnerable groups. Since 2006, USAID has helped to attract $1 billion in new investments to Jordan and to create tens of thousands of jobs. USAID’s efforts have accelerated growth in tourism, medical services, and information and communication technologies. USAID has also fostered the creation of a microfinance industry that serves over 300,000 people with a $187 million portfolio. From 2015-2017, USAID has helped the Government of Jordan (GOJ) raise $3.75 billion in affordable financing from international capital markets. USAID supports improved government financial management through the implementation of a unified financial information management system for the GOJ and improved revenue performance and tax administration. USAID is also developing strategies to lower energy costs, foster public and private investment in clean energy technologies, and to create a new market for Jordanian energy companies and service providers. It is also helping the GOJ to increase energy efficiency and to diversify its energy resource base to incorporate renewables such as solar and wind power.

POPULATION AND FAMILY HEALTH

The influx of Syrian refugees has put tremendous pressure on the Kingdom’s health system. Demand for health services now outpaces capacity to deliver care, and Ministry of Health clinics and hospitals are struggling to deliver key services. USAID is supporting the GOJ to: 1) Expand access and improve quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services, particularly in communities impacted by the Syrian refugee crisis; 2) Strengthen the resilience of critical components of Jordan’s health system, including the health workforce, healthcare financing, and governance in the health sector to enhance stability and better respond to stressors; and 3) Construct and renovate key Ministry of Health facilities across Jordan, thus increasing the GOJ’s ability to provide essential health services.

EDUCATION AND YOUTH

USAID programs support the GOJ in reforming the education system by building the capacity of teachers and administrators and through school construction and rehabilitation of classrooms to facilitate child-centered learning. USAID works with the GOJ to strengthen the reading and math skills of children in the first few grades of school, both inside the classroom and within their communities, as well as providing psychosocial training to teachers. Since 2006, USAID has built 28 new schools, expanded 97 existing schools and renovated 609 kindergarten classrooms. Jordan has established that the country will require an additional 5,000 classrooms over the next four years, due to the influx of refugees and population growth. To support that effort, USAID will build 2,000 classrooms by investing $230 million to build 25 new schools, expand another 120 schools, and renovate 132 schools.

WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

Jordan is one of the most water scarce countries in the world. Demand for water exceeds Jordan’s renewable freshwater sources. The influx of refugees has sharply raised water demand by 20 percent across the country, 40 percent in northern governorates, and increased pressure on water and wastewater-treatment infrastructure. To address the increased needs, USAID is strengthening water and wastewater infrastructure, improving water sector management, protecting natural resources, and increasing water supply and conserving water use. Since 2000 alone, USAID has provided more than $700 million to the water sector in Jordan: through construction of the As-Samra wastewater treatment plant, Zara Ma’in water treatment plant, community-based water projects in all governorates, major improvements to Amman’s water network, the establishment of the Aqaba Water Company, and work to rehabilitate Jordan’s water infrastructure in the north.

GENDER EQUALITY AND FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

Enhancing gender equality and female empowerment is a priority for USAID. USAID partners with the GOJ, donors and civil society organizations to: promote changes in discriminatory social norms and practices, enhance advocacy and policy reforms for gender-based issues, expand access to female-centered services, and encourage women’s political and economic participation.