The rationale for ARMP is based on supporting rural households in the two Governorates of Karak and Tefila to intensify their agricultural practices by enhancing natural resource management in the designated project areas. This is to be achieved by arresting soil degradation and restoring soil fertility through the sustainable use of land and water resources. In the mid '90s the project area, lying in the southern highlands, had received proportionally less investment than other areas in the north which had more and easily accessible natural resources. As a result, rural households in Karak in particular, were reportedly the poorest in Jordan. The majority of farms are small and utilize low input techniques to minimize the risks inherent in an area of very uncertain rainfall. Whilst it was concluded that agriculture would remain the mainstay of the local economy, the project design also recognized that complimentary activities should be developed to allow for income diversification and the fuller involvement of all members of the family. The overall objective of the project, within the GOJ strategies for the development of rainfed farming, is to improve the income stability of vulnerable, resource poor farmers by safeguarding and improving the productive potential of their natural resources and enhancing their returns to labour.