Evaluation Phase

The aim of this study is to evaluate the Permaculture Pilot Project (PPP) implemented by CARE-International, Jordan, during the period 1997 –1999 at Ein Al-Baida city in the Tafila Governorate, Jordan. Most of the inhabitants of Ein Albaida are of rural origin but the city is considered as a peri-urban area of Tafila township.

This evaluation study is financed by the InternationalDevelopmentResearchCenter, Ottawa, Canada (IDRC) to assess both the positive aspects and shortcomings of the PPP and to suggest improvements in terms of greywater reuse, irrigation practices and legal and environmental aspects. IDRC is involved in assisting peri-urban agriculture projects known as People, Land and Water. This project is considered as a link project to a similar project financed by IDRC in the West Bank. The outcome from this evaluation project could lead to a follow up project that enables know how transfer on the subject of greywater reuse and can lead to formation of a chain of greywater users and experts in the Middle East and North African countries (MENA) an will enrich the global knowledge and awareness of this important and so far neglected water resource.

The methodology adopted in this evaluation study was based on five methods in order to address the interdisciplinary fields of the project. These methods are field observations, a questionnaire, lab analysis of greywater, plants and soil, a comparative analysis with one of IDRC supported projects in the West bank and a focused environmental analysis (FEA).

This study shows that the PPP was successful and had many positive impacts and achieved its main objective of helping the local community by applying Permaculture techniques. All beneficiaries believe the greywater separation and collection is worth the effort, and show intention to pursue this practice in the future.

The PPP promoted positive family and social practices in terms of cooperation appreciating the value of land and rural agriculture, and enhancing sound sense of home economics and marketing. The local community has a good sense of environmentally sound practices. Women played a leadership role in both the operation and management of the PPP and were in charge of financial management of the project.

Due to limited use of domestic water in the project area and low rainfall in the project area, the collected greywater was not enough to crop the land available to most beneficiaries. Greywater was applied directly to plants without treatment and the long term impacts on soil and environment are not known. Some of the Permaculture techniques that were introduced by CARE were abandon later due to lack of follow up.

The regulatory frame work for reuse of greywater is discussed and a process to modify existing sanitary building codes is initiated with the Government of Jordan to maximize greywater collection and permit reuse.

A brief out line of follow up project is suggested aiming at promoting greywater reuse and encourage Permaculture techniques.