Amman, Oct. 14 (Petra) -- With determination and deep roots in their land, Jordanian rural women are driving local economic development and community transformation. Ahead of the International Day of Rural Women on Thursday, the Jordan News Agency (Petra) highlights the inspiring stories of women turning their passion into sustainable, high-impact enterprises.

In Jerash Governorate, Ibtisam Al-Salamat transformed her beekeeping venture, "Bisan Apiaries," into a comprehensive agritourism destination.

"Over time, I wanted to offer visitors a unique experience where they could learn about bees, witness honey production, taste our products, and experience authentic Jordanian hospitality," Al-Salamat told Petra.

Supported by a concessionary loan from the Agricultural Credit Corporation, Al-Salamat expanded her production kitchen to serve traditional meals alongside apiary tours. Her production line grew beyond honey to include high-value bee products such as propolis, pollen, bee venom cream, and honey soaps.

Beyond its economic success, Bisan Apiaries serves as a local hub for empowering women. Currently collaborating with four local women, Al-Salamat is working to establish an agricultural cooperative to engage nearly 20 women in culinary support, eco-education, and digital marketing.

"My project provided a reliable income to support my four children," Al-Salamat said. "I believe that small-business financing, combined with planning and determination, empowers rural women to create new revenue streams and serve their communities."

In Salt, the Renas Women Cooperative Association, led by Lina Ersheid, offers another story of empowerment. Founded in 2008 by 17 female agricultural engineers, the cooperative now comprises 28 members dedicated to sustainable food production.

The cooperative acts as an incubator for traditional and healthy food processing, developing innovative items such as olive butter and probiotic-enhanced pickles, alongside organic farming and school meal initiatives. The association holds ISO certifications and quality compliance accreditations, backed by strategic partnerships with USAID, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, UNDP, the Erada initiative, and the Royal Scientific Society, along with funding from the Development and Employment Fund.

Addressing water and climate challenges, the cooperative implements resource recycling and partners with Italian universities to extract bio-compounds from food waste. It has showcased Salt’s heritage at national and international expos, including Canada's SIAL exhibition, while training hundreds of individuals and enabling more than 30 women to become primary suppliers or independent business owners.

"Rural women are the backbone of both household and national economies," Ersheid said, emphasizing the need for supportive legislation and export pathways for cooperatives.

In Najdah village near the Dibbeen Forest Reserve, Nabila Abu Ghalyoun leads the Najdah Women Association, focusing on reducing post-harvest losses through modern drying techniques.

"The association was founded to prevent surplus agricultural produce from going to waste by converting crops into 100% natural dried fruits and vegetables," Abu Ghalyoun explained.

Women manage all stages of the process, from receiving and sorting crops to drying, quality control, packaging, and marketing. The initiative provides local women with technical expertise in food processing while offering chemical-free, year-round produce to local markets.

The association markets its products through direct sales, local bazaars, and exhibitions, with plans to expand into major retail outlets and international markets.

Abu Ghalyoun noted that rural agricultural projects play a strategic role in bolstering national food security, generating employment, and boosting rural tourism by showcasing local culinary heritage.

//Petra// AF

14/10/2026 20:48:13