Saplings and the Fruits of Labor: Ajloun Governorate
Cluster Villages: Ibbin-Ibillin, Ras Munif, Samta
Community Type: Rural Location.
The Ajlun Cluster is located in the northern part of the Governorate of Ajlun, 10 km from the city’s center, and about 80 km north of the capital Amman. The Governorate of Ajlun is rich in natural, agricultural and human resources and RCCDP has provided a range of opportunities to utilize such resources for the benefit of local farmers and residents.
The cluster is situated at a high altitude, ranging from 1,193 meters above sea level (Ibbin-Ibillin) to 1,290 meters (Ras Munif). The latter is the highest settlement in the Country, and the geography is mostly mountainous and rugged with rocky outcrops and woodlands along the higher elevations. The cluster’s total population is 10,117 and is concentrated in the village of Ibbin-Ibillin. The area has an annual precipitation of over 600 mm. The majority of residents rely on agriculture as a source of income.
Problems and Challenges Facing the Area:
- High unemployment rates, especially among youth.
- The water supply network to the villages is intermittent, and residents sometimes have to purchase supplemental supplies from tanker trucks.
- The village municipalities dispose of municipal solid waste at the Kufranja Waste Dump. The Dump serves the whole Governorate, and is not well managed. Residents complain of bad smells and insects.
- There is an absence of a proper liquid waste disposal system throughout the cluster. Residents rely on septic tanks, which are emptied by hired trucks.
- The lack of manufacturing activity and the limited commercial activity in the cluster reflects the lack of investment in these sectors. There are no lending institutions operational in the area.
- There is a health care center in each of the cluster villages, with a doctor visiting every other day. The nearest hospital is in Ajlun City, about 10 kms away.
- In the village of Ibbin-Ibillin, approximately 20 percent of residents work outside the village and return at the weekend.
- There are no stores in the villages, apart from a couple of small shops selling small items. For other items, villagers travel to larger towns nearby.
- The absence of cooperation and support among community members.
- Lack of any recreational facilities or centers.