Six months after its launch, the BARAKA project, “Building Agricultural Resilience and Access to Knowledge and Resources,” is already achieving something that many development initiatives struggle to achieve: turning training into actual employment.

Funded by the Swiss Embassy in Jordan and implemented by the Habibi Valtiberina Association, the project focuses on strengthening livelihoods for women in vulnerable conditions, youth and small farmers. Beyond its technical dimension, BARAKA demonstrates how skill development can translate directly into income opportunities.

The most tangible result so far is evident: seven beneficiaries have already been hired at the Al-Wala agricultural station. For a project still halfway through, this is a significant milestone, showing that the transition from training to work is not just theoretical, but already a reality.

This achievement is the result of a structured, practice-oriented approach. As of November 2025, BARAKA has moved from the awareness and selection stage to full implementation. Of the 629 individuals initially involved (73 percent of whom were women), 80 beneficiaries were selected through a transparent process based on economic vulnerability criteria.

From the beginning, participants were trained not only in technical skills, but also in soft skills, such as communication, as well as in safety and hygiene practices.

Vocational training is divided into three main areas: sustainable agriculture, hydroponics and dairy production. So far, 20 participants have completed training in agriculture and hydroponics, and another 20 are currently in training. In parallel, seven women have begun specialized training in cheese production, with further placements planned.

In agriculture, participants gain practical skills in water-efficient irrigation, soil management and integrated pest control. In hydroponics, they learn the management of greenhouses, nutrient solutions and crop cycles, skills that are increasingly relevant in the face of the challenges posed by climate change.

The project also introduces innovations adapted to the local context. A prototype “water reservoir bed,” designed to reduce water consumption and improve the soil’s ability to retain moisture, a particularly important solution in water-scarce settings, is currently under development.

At the same time, BARAKA expands its scope beyond primary production to include value-added activities. The dairy production unit and a new processing kitchen, currently being set up, will enable beneficiaries to process agricultural products into marketable goods, from dairy products to preserved foods. These initiatives aim to create additional sources of income, especially for women.

Although the infrastructure is still being completed, the project is designed to move forward without interruption: training and facility development are advancing in parallel, ensuring that beneficiaries are continuously learning while new opportunities are being prepared.