Abstract
Developed under the ILO's Manzuma project and funded by Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP III), this Market Systems Analysis examines Jordan's food industries, food services and chemicals sectors to identify the structural constraints and market opportunities shaping SME competitiveness and inclusive job creation. this publication presents the evidence-based process used to identify the three priority sectors that will guide the project's market systems interventions in Jordan. Drawing on consultations with public and private stakeholders, surveys, interviews and secondary research, this sector selection study assesses sectors based on their potential for inclusive growth, SME competitiveness and decent job creation for Jordanians and Syrian refugees. The analysis confirms that all three sectors have strong potential for enterprise growth and job creation but remain constrained by systemic challenges, including high production costs, fragmented supply chains, limited market access, regulatory bottlenecks and financing constraints. In response, the report proposes a portfolio of market systems interventions centred on two complementary pathways: (i) reducing production costs and improving enterprise productivity, and (ii) expanding and diversifying market opportunities through stronger commercial linkages, market intelligence and innovation. These interventions provide the foundation for strategic partnerships with public and private actors to stimulate inclusive growth and decent job creation.