The dates sector plays a crucial role in Jordan's economic growth, providing livelihoods for farmers and workers, including women, and promoting water-efficient practices. In 2022, Jordan exported USD 42.9 million in dates, with key markets including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, and Morocco. To position Jordan competitively in the global market, it is essential to address the financial needs of date farmers and enhance their access to suitable financing solutions.

Our team of experts recently conducted a focus group discussion aimed at developing financial leasing products tailored for Jordanian date producers. This event is part of our ongoing efforts to better understand the market and improve financing products for the GIZ project “Innovative Approaches for the Financial Inclusion of MSMEs”. The focus group aimed to identify the financing needs and challenges faced by date farmers, with the goal of enhancing access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through finance leasing at the Jordan Leasing Company.

The session gathered key stakeholders and provided valuable insights into the preferences and growth opportunities for Jordanian date farmers. The discussion revealed three primary financing needs: expanding farm operations, acquiring machinery and equipment, and post-harvest financing. Expanding farm operations includes land acquisition and planting, while machinery and equipment financing covers tractors, sorting machines, and other essential tools. Post-harvest financing involves storage, cooling, and other necessities to maintain the quality of the dates after harvest.

A notable interest was observed in cash flow-based financing, which aligns well with the cyclical nature of agricultural income. This approach allows farmers to manage their finances more effectively, ensuring they have the necessary resources throughout the year. The focus group concluded with recommendations for continued engagement with farmers to refine leasing products and address their specific needs. This event serves as a foundation for developing innovative financial solutions that will support the growth and success of date farmers in Jordan.

“The focus group discussion provided important insights from farmers, highlighting their experiences and needs, which will be vital in shaping effective leasing solutions and supporting the financial landscape for date farmers in Jordan”, says GOPA AFC Finance Expert Eman Malkawi.

Jordanian dates are renowned for their exceptional quality, sweetness, and unique flavor, offering a variety of flavor profiles and textures. The industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, focusing on producing high-quality dates for domestic markets and international export. Key date varieties include the famous Medjool dates, known for their large size and sweetness, and Barhi dates, recognized for their soft, chewy texture and honey-like flavor. Jordan also produces organic Medjool dates, cultivated without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, which are highly valued in international markets. In addition to fresh and dried dates, Jordanian date products include date syrup, date sugar, date vinegar, date bars, date pastries, and coated dates. These products showcase the versatility and high quality of Jordanian dates, further enhancing their appeal in global markets.

By addressing the financial needs of date farmers and developing tailored leasing products, we aim to empower Jordanian MSME date farmers, supporting their growth and success in the competitive global market. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to fostering economic development and improving livelihoods through innovative financial solutions.

For more information, please contact: mareike.decker [at] gopa-afc.de