Our History
The Regional Mission for Water and Agriculture (MREA) of the French Embassy in Jordan was initiated in 1992 as diplomatic representation in the region (Jordan, Palestinian Territories, and Lebanon). Equipped with its team of experts, MREA set out to build and update the stakeholders’ capacities in addressing the challenges they face in water and agriculture.
MREA improved the efficiency of water use in agriculture. Its core areas of intervention were: irrigation optimization, treated wastewater reuse in agriculture, improvement of fertigation practices and support to the horticultural production chain. MREA developed a unique approach based on the implementation of projects that were guided by comprehensive socio-economic assessment and technical analysis of the pilot areas, considering institutional stakeholders at a higher level.
MREA outsourced expertise from local and international, professional, and scientific partners, enabling it to update its references and skills for optimized practices. Through its activities, MREA developed its own methodology in irrigation and agriculture intervention. The outcomes of the Mission’s activities were continuously documented, and it published important references in the domains of irrigation and agriculture. In the last period, MREA was active in supporting institutions to draft fundable feasibility studies based on the outcomes of some of its projects.
Further to French cooperation reforms in 2006, and with the will and support of the French Embassy in Jordan, the idea of establishing MIRRA emerged to continue the mission of the Regional Mission for Water and Agriculture (MREA). Incubated and guided by MREA, MIRRA was created in September 2007, and backed up with the willingness and enthusiasm of the involved former MREA local staff and MREA’s historical partners and stakeholders of the agricultural sector. Made up of former MREA staff, MIRRA implements development initiatives in the water and agriculture sector, benefiting from MREA’s former regional experiences.
Who We Are
MIRRA, Methods for Irrigation and Agriculture, was created on September 2007 and based in Amman and Irbid, Jordan. It was converted to a special association that belongs to the Ministry of Environment at the end of 2010.
- irrigation water management: optimization of pressurized irrigation networks on the field level and on the network level, and wastewater reuse in agriculture.
- agricultural commodities systems optimization: introduction of new, high-added value crops, amelioration of production techniques, appraisal of horticultural commodity production chain.
- MIRRA follows a practical field methodology and approach, and employs adapted tools and techniques, building the capacity of beneficiaries to manage water and agriculture efficiently.
- MIRRA is qualified to provide short- and long-term expertise and consultations.
- MIRRA enjoys strong local roots in the region, supplemented by a network of specialists and experts.
- Implements development projects.
- Supports other operating agents during some or all project phases.
- Provides technical expertise and consultancy.
- Trains farmers and other water and agriculture sector practitioners.