The Biosolids Market Sounding Assessment is being conducted under the USAID Building Water Infrastructure (BWI) Activity to support Jordan’s efforts to develop a sustainable and socially acceptable biosolids market. The assessment aims to update BWI’s understanding of current and potential biosolids markets in Jordan and the wider MENA region, informing the finalization of the national biosolids strategy. Through targeted market research, stakeholder engagement, and analysis of end-user perceptions, the project will identify viable market opportunities, key constraints, and practical business models for the safe production, distribution, and use of biosolid products. The findings will guide BWI’s public and private sector engagement pathways and help prioritize partnerships that can address regulatory, social, and economic barriers to biosolids reuse.

MarketShare Associates (MSA) serves as the lead firm responsible for designing and implementing the biosolids market sounding assessment. MSA leads the full assessment process, including desk review, research design, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and analysis. Drawing on its market systems development expertise, MSA maps biosolids market actors, analyzes demand, supply chains, costs, and willingness to pay, and examines cultural, regulatory, and religious considerations influencing market adoption. MSA also facilitates collaborative sensemaking and solution-design workshops with the BWI team and stakeholders, culminating in actionable recommendations and proposed business models to support the development of a sustainable biosolids market in Jordan. The market sounding assessment will lead to the following: Market Identification: Map existing and potential biosolids markets and stakeholders in Jordan and the broader MENA region. End-User Analysis: Investigate perceptions, concerns, and enablers for biosolids use among various end-user groups. Business Model Development: Recommend viable business models tailored to Jordan’s biosolids context, considering cost structures, supply chains, and willingness to pay. National Biosolid strategy: The findings from the assessment are expected to be developed into recommendations that will contribute to advancing the Biosolids Management Strategy (currently being co-developed by the client with the Government of Jordan), particularly Pillars 3 (Biosolids Use Options), 4 (Financing), and 5 (Capacity Building)