Rural Community Cluster Development Program (RCCDP)
JRF's most ambitious initiative to date (in terms of budget and impact) is the Rural Community Cluster Development Program (RCCDP). Funded by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) under the Enhanced Productivity Program, RCCDP established a partnership between JRF and Mercy Corps, an international relief and development agency. This program aims to promote citizen participation in addressing critical needs for the economic and social revitalization of rural community life.
Phase I of the program (July 2002 to December 2003) focused its efforts in four clusters: Northern Ajlun, Northern Badia, Southern Madaba and Wadi Araba. Phase II began in January 2004 for another 18 months and will continue to work with Phase I clusters and expand into additional community clusters. Activities in Phase I clusters of the RCCDP have been implemented with many successes and in spite of considerable challenges, achieving many of the goals and objectives of the MoPIC.
Furthermore, one of the strategic goals of the RCCDP is to strengthen the NGO sector in Jordan.
Phase II of RCCDP will provide resources to enhance JRF's organizational capacity and to build the potential of smaller national and community-based organizations (such as cooperatives) for the benefit of Jordanian civil society.
"The inclusion of local community representatives in all project stages was excellent. This participation included needs assessment, planning, tendering and awarding contracts for services and goods and implementation. Such involvement has empowered communities and boosted their self-esteem, as well as enhanced their trust in and respect for the implementing organizations (JRF/MC)," "Progress and Achievement Report" conducted at the conclusion of Phase I by Interaction, an independent development service firm.