Image taken during COVID-19 when Al Barakah Wheat cultivated lands around City Mall in Amman. It was a widely circulated image which portrays the essence of Al Barakah Wheat’s work, in contrast with the neoliberal trajectories of Amman.
Al-Barakeh Wheat Project, carried by Zikra for Popular Learning, was launched in 2020, during the Covid pandemic, as a grassroots response to Jordan’s near total dependence on imported wheat and the erosion of traditional agricultural practices. The project set out to revive native wheat varieties that once made the country self-sufficient, while reclaiming vacant plots of land in Amman for collective cultivation.
Collective cultivation of wheat in lands around Amman
The initiative began with an open call for residents to share unused land that could be farmed together. Participants contribute to covering basic costs for equipment and machinery, then work side by side with experienced farmers throughout the growing season. At harvest, the grain is shared fairly among all participants. Families often involve their children in the process, turning farming into a space for learning, memory, and connection with the land. This practical work is also deeply symbolic, offering a way to challenge consumer dependency and restore community agency over food and resources.
The project brings farmers, locals and community members together for collective practice and knowledge sharing
Since its first season, Al-Barakeh Wheat has grown rapidly, attracting hundreds of participants and cultivating dozens of acres across Amman. The project has grown into an economically sustainable practice, selling local wheat produce in the country, and with its success based on community participation in cultivation and harvest. The project has also begun to spread to other cities in Jordan and has drawn interest from initiatives in Palestine and the wider region. At its core, Al-Barakeh Wheat reflects Zikra’s commitment to grassroots learning and reciprocity, creating collective practices that not only provide food but also strengthen cultural heritage, sustainability, and fostering a reality based on collectivity and solidarity.
In addition to preserving, cultivating, and raising awareness about original wheat varieties from the region, an integral part of Al Barakah wheat project’s work is asking critical questions and providing context on the current condition of wheat dependency in Jordan