Student Research

Student Research

1) Formulating Strategies for Improving Food Security among Smallholder Farmers in The Middle Jordan Valley (Ghawr)

This is a master's thesis research in which the student (Ansam) conducted the research, collected and analyzed data, as well as wrote the manuscript under the supervision of Dr. Amani.

Ansam Abdullah Ghanayem, Radieah Mohd Nor​, Amani Al Assaf

Date of publucation: 2025/7/28

6(3): 706–725.​​ Research on World Agricultural Economy
Abstract:

The challenges faced by smallholder farmers are a critical issue for sustainable development, particularly in food security. Smallholder farmers in the Middle Jordan Valley face multiple constraints such as land degradation, climate change, limited market access, and inadequate resources. These pressures have led to migration out of agriculture, exacerbated by weak policies and regional conflicts. This study aims to analyse the factors affecting smallholder farmers’ food security, including key challenges, agricultural practices, and drivers of migration, and to explore strategies to strengthen food security in the region. This study used a qualitative approach with a survey method among smallholder farmers in the Middle Jordan Valley. The results showed that key challenges include high input costs, crop diseases, mounting debt, complex export policies, and water constraints due to extreme climates. The analysis identified two quadrants of push factors: Quadrant 1 covers short-term impacts such as financial, nutritional, and health pressures, while Quadrant 2 contains long-term impacts such as youth dissatisfaction with the agricultural sector due to unsupportive policies. This study provides policy recommendations to maintain the sustainability of agriculture in the Middle Jordan Valley. The proposed measures include the development of water-efficient irrigation strategies, implementing environmentally friendly agricultural practices, and reforming export policy, strengthening local market access, providing agricultural input subsidies, strengthening farmer cooperatives, and income diversification programs and new skills education. These recommendations aim to improve the welfare of small farmers and attract the younger generation's interest in continuing to contribute to the agricultural sector.

2) Socioeconomic Analysis of Soil-Less Farming System -An Comparative Evidence from Jordan, The Middle East

This is a master's thesis research in which the student (Ansam) conducted the research, collected and analyzed data, as well as wrote the manuscript under the supervision of Dr. Mohammad​.

Ansam Abdullah Ghanayem, Salwa Almohamed, Amani Al Assaf, Mohammad Majdalawi

Date of publucation: 2022/7/29

10 (3): 205-223 . International Journal of Food and Agricultural Economics (IJFAEC)​

Abstract:

The soilless farming system is an exclusive technique of growing plants with the out use of soil in the large-scale farms owned by a few exporters in Jordan. The research offers an economic analysis of this soilless system for sustainable water and land use. It deals with the socio-economic compared to the conventional farming system. Two types of questionnaires were used to collect data from both systems; 32 and 68 farms, respectively. The socioeconomics was analyzed using cost-benefit Analysis. The results show the efficiency of the soilless system concerning irrigation, enhancing agricultural productivity and returns. The adopters receive a higher income, where 40% of them get more income compared to 20% in the conventional system. Furthermore, the cost-benefit analysis confirms its high profitability according to different indicators. The economic, and environmental benefits are sufficient and convincing reasons to make soilless agriculture the most agricultural practical method to accommodate growing trends in sustainability and development.


* ​​The following research is conducted by​ the graduate students under the superviosn of Dr. Mohammad Majdalawi​, which is not part of their master's thesis research. The students collected and analyzed data, as well as wrote the manuscript with the assistance of Dr. Majdalawi​.​ However, the manuscripts are not published yet.


 3) Economic Analysis and Price Elasticity of Dairy Products In Jordan

Duaa Ishaq Ahmad Aldaamsa​

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

Abstract:​

This research analyzed the demand for dairy products in Jordan. First, it examines the responsiveness of dairy demand to prices, population growth, and per capita income. Second, this analysis provides a deeper understanding of consumer behavior in this sector and offers recommendations for future food and pricing policies to ensure food security and a balance between supply and demand. The Comprehensive Business Statistics (CBS) model was used, based on a time series of dairy demand data from the Department of Statistics for the period 2006–2022. Three products were analyzed: fresh milk, yogurt, and white cheese. The relationship between consumption, prices, population growth, and per capita income was determined by using economic approach and elasticity analysis. Price increases often lead to decrease consumption, particularly in middle- and low-income communities. On the other hand, population growth naturally leads to increase aggregate demand, even with constant per capita consumption. Increase income leads to increase consumption per capita, consumption of dairy products generally reflects their availability and integration into daily dietary habits.
The results showed that the demand for fresh milk is price-elastic (-1.359) and population-elastic (1.28), but income-elastic (0.98), meaning that consumption is more influenced by prices and population growth than by per capita income, and milk remains an essential commodity.
The demand for yogurt is price-elastic (-0.43), population-elastic (0.214), and income-elastic (0.348), meaning that consumption is only marginally influenced by prices, population size, and income, and yogurt remains an essential commodity for consumers.
The demand for cheese is price-elastic (0.879) but increases slightly with price. The positive value for elasticity is explained by the fact that cheese is considered a common or semi-luxury commodity, where consumers associate price with quality or personal preferences, resulting in a small increase in demand. The demand for white cheese is income-elastic (1.165), meaning it is a luxury commodity, with demand increasing as income rises, reflecting consumers' tendency to buy more cheese as their income levels improve.

Keywords: Dairy derivatives (milk, yogurt, white cheese), (OLS)pattern, Elasticity


4) Report on the Demand Function for Red and White Meat in Jordan

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Abdallah Omar Areda​

​​Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

Abstract:

Meat is a staple food in the Jordanian diet and represents a significant component of the household food basket. Given its economic and nutritional importance, this study aims to analyze the demand function for red and white meat in Jordan. The goal is to identify the most important factors influencing meat consumption and to estimate the degree to which demand responds to changes in prices, income, and population size.
This study relies on reliable official data obtained from the Jordanian Department of Statistics, the government agency responsible for collecting and publishing economic, social, and agricultural statistical data. The data includes meat prices, per capita national income, and population figures during the study period.
The study employs econometric models (linear and non-linear regression) to estimate the demand functions for different types of meat. Several models were used, including: Linear model, Log-Lin model, Line-Log model. These models were applied to sheep, goat, beef, and chicken meat to measure the impact of price, income, and population size on quantity demand (Y).
The study results showed that the coefficients of determination (R²) were high in most models, indicating that the variables used explain a significant proportion of the change in meat demand. It was also found that: Demand for red meat (sheep and goat) is more affected by price changes compared to white meat. Demand for white meat (chicken) is characterized by higher relative stability, making it a staple food in Jordanian households. Population size had a significant positive impact on demand in all models, reflecting the direct relationship between population growth and increased meat demand.
The study concluded that economic and demographic factors play a key role in determining meat demand in Jordan. Price and income are among the most prominent determinants of consumption levels, while population growth contributes to an increase in overall demand for red and white meat.
The study recommends that meat prices, per capita income, and population size be monitored when formulating economic and agricultural policies to ensure a balance between supply and demand and achieve food security in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.​