Jordan’s first women-led hydroponics cooperative fights empowers local farmers
Habak project trains women to farm without soil in one of the world’s driest countries
DHIBAN, Jordan (MNTV) — A women-led hydroponics initiative in central Jordan is reshaping the country’s agricultural future amid worsening water scarcity, training dozens of women to grow food without soil while using a fraction of the water traditional farming requires.
Founded in 2019 by retired nurse Aisha Al-Hawatmeh, the “Habak” project — named after the Arabic word for basil — has developed into Jordan’s first women-led hydroponics cooperative.
The initiative has built 15 greenhouses across 11 dunams (approximately 10,000 square meters) in the town of Dhiban, just south of Amman.
Using nutrient-rich circulating water, volcanic rock, and coconut fibre instead of soil, the project cultivates lettuce, herbs, baby cucumbers, and other crops while reducing water consumption by up to 85%, according to agricultural engineer Mohammad Mashatleh.
“Hydroponics eliminates the need for pesticides, prevents soil degradation, and conserves water — making it ideal for dry regions like Madaba,” he said.
Jordan ranks among the world’s most water-scarce countries, with average annual water availability at just 100 cubic metres per person — far below the international water poverty line of 500.
Traditional agriculture, which consumes over half of the country’s water, is becoming increasingly unviable.
Initially launched with support from Eco Consult and funding from the Dutch government, the Habak project has now trained 27 women, many of whom are single mothers, widows, or refugees. Three of them have since launched their own hydroponic ventures.
“We run it like a business, not a hobby,” said Al-Hawatmeh, who also formed a women’s marketing alliance to secure better prices for their chemical-free produce.
The farm now supplies certified vegetables to Basentro, a health-focused retailer in Amman.
Participants earn daily wages and gain technical skills. Um Omar, a mother of three and one of the workers, said the project helped her gain income and independence.
“At first, I just wanted a job. But I learned how to farm in a way that works in our climate,” she said.
Al-Hawatmeh is currently lobbying for a dedicated hydroponics training center for women and continues to assist trainees in applying for agricultural grants.
Engineer Mashatleh said the project serves as a model for sustainable agriculture in Jordan. “These women have addressed a national crisis through innovation. It’s scalable and impactful,” he said.
Despite its success, Al-Hawatmeh noted that long-term funding and institutional backing remain limited. “There’s interest, but it’s still seen as a novelty,” she said.
Even so, with each new greenhouse and woman trained, the project continues to grow — offering a pathway to food security and economic empowerment in a country running dry.
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