Amman, Dec. 4 (Petra) -- The Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA), in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), convened its 16th General Conference in Amman on Thursday under the theme "Digital Water Solutions in Agriculture: Opportunities and Trends in the Near East and North Africa."

AARINENA Executive Secretary Dr. Reda Al-Khawaldeh emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation to confront rising water scarcity, noting that digital transformation has become one of the most promising avenues for improving water management in agriculture. He said the region is experiencing increasing water challenges that directly affect food security and farmers’ livelihoods.

Al-Khawaldeh highlighted the rapid development of digital tools, including remote sensing, precision irrigation, smart monitoring systems, digital advisory services, and big data analytics, which are reshaping water management practices and providing more effective tools for policymakers, farmers, and researchers.
He added that AARINENA continues to support research, knowledge-sharing, and innovation across the region, noting that successful digital transformation requires strong partnerships, capacity-building, and sustainable investment.

FAO Representative in Jordan Eng. Nabil Assaf said the Near East and North Africa region faces one of the most severe water crises globally, with the lowest per capita water availability and more than half the population living under extreme water stress. He pointed to mounting pressures on food systems due to high agricultural water consumption, rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and groundwater depletion.

Assaf stressed that adopting modern, technology-driven agricultural practices is essential for achieving sustainable food security, adding that digital solutions, such as real-time monitoring, smart irrigation, and water productivity mapping, offer practical tools for improving efficiency and supporting climate adaptation. He noted that this approach aligns with FAO’s "Four Betters": better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.

Speaking on behalf of AARINENA President Dr. Hamdan Al-Wahaibi, Vice President Dr. Ibrahim Al-Rawashdeh underscored the urgency of expanding digital solutions in agricultural water management as water scarcity intensifies across the region. He said technologies such as satellite analytics, artificial intelligence, and precision irrigation have become indispensable for improving water-use efficiency and resilience.

Conference sessions brought together regional leaders, experts, researchers, and scientists to review emerging trends, showcase successful experiences, and discuss practical steps to accelerate the adoption of digital water solutions.

Topics included Turkey’s digital tools for agricultural water management, earth observation applications, climate adaptation through remote sensing and AI, precision irrigation, water-security technologies, and smart agriculture’s role in enhancing food and water security.

//Petra// RZ

04/12/2025 12:46:52