To shape a new future for the agency, it was decided that JVA should go through a rigorous and public strategic planning process. This planning process was led by a steering committee composed of all relevant stakeholders and various working groups. Stakeholder participation was ensured through a series of information meetings and workshops to collect comments and input before completing the plan. This has resulted in a detailed and thoroughly vetted written strategic plan.
The first phase of the strategic plan’s development was launched in March 2000 to expose JVA to strategic planning concepts and approaches, build change management capacity, and assess the external and internal environments that affect JVA. In the second phase, USAID is working to facilitate the strategic plan’s development while building JVA’s capacity in strategic planning approaches and privatization.
A major decision borne out of the strategic planning process is to have JVA become more of a regulator and manager, and let farmers cooperatives and others in the private sector implement and handle the delivery of services. A decision was made by JVA and other stakeholders to plan and implement a program of participatory irrigation management and the privatization of bulk and retail water supply in the Jordan Valley.
The JVA strategic planning process illustrates the first steps in developing integrated water resource management and institutional reform for an agency whose purpose, scope and direction has changed over time in response to the supply and demand of water in the region. The four key goals that were developed are:
- Water Resource Management
- Water Distribution and Supply
- Land Management and Development
- Organizational Improvement and Development
The commitment and participation of JVA staff, particularly senior management, in all activities has been key to the success of the strategic planning process. Overall, the process involved a task force with 12 members, an additional 12 members on the subcommittees, and 32 working group members.
“Zero action” alternative was considered, and was promoted by certain quarters within the Government of Jordan. When faced with the prospect of abolition, USAID, which has a long history of cooperation with JVA on regional development and water delivery projects, proposed that the Government of Jordan and JVA collectively develop a sustainable strategic plan to shape the future of the institution.