The Jordan valley authority (JVA) was established in 1977 with a mandate for the integrated development of the Jordan Valley encompassing all aspects of life. In 1988 JVA became part of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI).

The Jordan Valley Authority manages, and protects water and land resources and their supporting infrastructure in the Jordan Valley in an environmentally and economically sound manner, in the Jordanian national interest, through creating partnership with the private sector where appropriate.

Empowered by its special law, JVA was representing the Jordanian Government in the valley with a broad spectrum of authority and administrative and financial autonomy to perform its activities in an untraditional manner.

During the last 30 years, JVA completed numerous infrastructure projects including electricity, communications, roads, schools, health centers, government and residential buildings, in addition to its core activities in land and water resources development.

The population in the valley increased substantially from 70,000 in the early 1970’s to 300,000 inhabitants to date. Land was reclaimed and divided into irrigated farm units. Around 10,000 farm units, each with an area of 30-40 dunums, were distributed to farmers.

Water resources were developed through the construction of dams, King Abdullah Canal and pressurized irrigation networks.