Phenix Center for Economic & Informatics Studies Phenix Center for Economic & Informatics Studies
The Phenix Center for Economic and Informatics Studies launched the findings of a Code of Conduct developed on decent working conditions in Jordan’s agricultural sector, under the “Economic Development” project funded by the French Development Agency (AFD).
The results revealed a tangible improvement in compliance among targeted farms with decent work standards, particularly in occupational safety and health and risk management.
The assessment covered 28 farms in the governorates of Irbid, Balqa, and Madaba. Findings showed that 28.6% of farms achieved high levels of impovement exceeding 70%, while 60.7% recorded moderate improvements. The Bani Kinanah area achieved the highest average improvement rate at 121.5%, followed by Ramtha at 61.3%.
The Code also demonstrated significant progress in providing personal protective equipment free of charge to workers, training them on agricultural hazards, and supplying first aid kits and emergency plans. The intervention further contributed to strengthening labor rights through the provision of documented employment contracts and raising awareness among farmers and workers about the legal minimum working age. Awareness increased by 164% following training sessions that reached 256 participants.
Regarding child labor, the findings indicated generally high compliance among participating farms. However, the accompanying policy brief warned of the continued presence of the phenomenon under the notion of “work with family,” driven by economic pressures. It recommended developing early warning systems in schools and activating seasonal inspection mechanisms.
The findings also highlighted ongoing challenges, including weak documentation practices in some farms and limited complaint and reporting mechanisms.
In parallel, participants in a national dialogue on the Code of Conduct emphasized the importance of strengthening occupational safety and health standards in the agricultural sector, commending the role of the Phoenix Center in raising awareness and improving working conditions.
Ms. Wurood Al-Abadi, Head of Plant Wealth Extension Programs at the Ministry of Agriculture, stressed the importance of scaling up and expanding the Code of Conduct. Meanwhile, Eng. Iman Al-Abdallat, Acting Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Directorate at the Ministry of Labour, emphasized the need to modernize and digitize inspection tools to enhance compliance and transparency, alongside continuous capacity-building for workers.
Eng. Samer Al-Rawashdeh, Agricultural Projects Officer at the International Labour Organization (ILO), highlighted the role of cooperatives and trade unions in promoting compliance with decent work standards, calling for expanding the Code to cover livestock production sectors and for Jordan’s accession to relevant international occupational safety conventions in agriculture.
Experts noted that implementing the Code across 28 farms faced challenges, particularly a shortage of safety equipment, which led the project to provide support packages including first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and field protection supplies.
The dialogue also emphasized the importance of involving civil society organizations and trade unions in steering committees, with approximately 180 farm assessments conducted following specialized training on evaluation tools.
MP Bayan Al-Fakhouri stressed that enhancing safety in the agricultural sector requires integration between government, international partners, and civil society to ensure a safe and sustainable working environment.
The Phenix Center recommended sustaining occupational safety practices through regular refresher training sessions, expanding the Code’s implementation to additional farms, and strengthening the link between social protection and education to reduce child labor.
At the conclusion of the national dialogue, success stories were presented. Farm owner Aisha Hawatmeh shared her experience transforming her “Hibaq” farm into an organized and safe working environment by improving safety systems, providing protective equipment, and establishing appropriate sanitation facilities. The introduction of modern agricultural technologies also improved both productivity and safety.
Community committee member Amina Darwesh also shared her experience with the Phoenix Center and Terre des Hommes (TDH), noting that her engagement in community activities deepened her awareness of child labor issues and reinforced her belief that change begins at the local community level.
The project is implemented in partnership with Terre des Hommes (TDH) and aims to empower economically vulnerable Jordanians and Syrian refugees while ensuring their rights to a safe and decent working environment.
To read the code of conduct
