Barriers and Opportunities for the Use of the Graduation Model in Jordan

Alexi T. Bernagros

ABSTRACT

New to the Jordanian context, the graduation approach (GA or graduation) has gained traction as a promising methodology to life households in Jordan out of extreme poverty and into self-reliance. Graduation programs like the RYSE project are exploring ways to overcome these challenges, including through engagement with the private sector to develop complementary “pull strategies” that help to expand the quality and diversity of economic opportunities available. Notable opportunities within the tech-enabled and information and communications technology (ICT) sector and food processing and agribusiness have been identified as high-growth opportunities that would also be appropriate for women, youth, and Syrian refugees, who often face additional barriers to market engagement. This study, conducted by the Durable Solutions Platform (DSP) and the Resilient Youth, Socially and Economically Empowered (RYSE) project, examines the barriers and prospects for a successful application of the graduation model in Jordan.