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George Washington University

Publication Date

Spring 2013

Program Name

Jordan: Modernization and Social Change

Abstract

The crisis in Syria has caused a massive influx of refugees into Jordan to the detriment of the Jordanian host communities. This research paper seeks to examine the direct impact of the Syrian Refugees on Jordanians’ food security. The researcher hypothesized that the large influx of refugees reduced the overall food security of Jordanian families in terms of food accessibility and availability. The methodology consisted of two major parts. First, field interviews were conducted with Jordanians in the Northern Badia and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Amman. Second, forty-two families were surveyed in the Northern Badia about their food consumption, sufficiency, and personal socioeconomic information. This field research produced quantitative and qualitative data that ultimately proved the hypothesis true. The influx of Syrian refugees has directly hindered local families’ food security by increasing prices and making food inaccessible and unavailable. This research is significant because it examines a different side of the pressing and contemporary topic of the Syrian crisis by focusing on the plight of average Jordanians. The Jordanian government and the international community have largely neglected these communities, and by identifying their needs this research is a call to action for sustainable development. The situation in the Mafraq Governorate continues to rapidly deteriorate with disastrous consequences. The study recommends investing in sustainable livelihoods for families and supporting conflict resolution between the Jordanian host communities and Syrian Refugees.

Disciplines

Defense and Security Studies | Inequality and Stratification | International and Area Studies | International Relations | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Regional Sociology

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