K-State alumnus becomes ag minister of Jordan; tackles spread of desert
By Tim Lindemuth
Jordan's scarce water resources and the spread of desert arid land pose mounting agricultural challenges to this Middle Eastern kingdom. Yet, a K-Stater is there at the helm taking on the challenges.
Mostafa Qrunfleh '82 is the Jordanian minister of agriculture. Before taking the post in 2006, he was a professor at the University of Jordan where he was the dean of agriculture, and more recently the vice president for administrative affairs. Qrunfleh obtained his doctorate in horticulture from K-State.
The Rift Valley, also known as the Jordan Valley, has the kingdom's most fertile soil and relatively rich water resources. The warm weather all year makes for ideal farming conditions. Yet, the semi-arid region forms nearly two-thirds of the country where nomadic Bedouins herd sheep and goats to provide meat for the rest of the country. Qrunfleh has been a delegate to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
A native of Jaffa, Palestine, Qrunfleh credited his education at K-State for the successes he's had.
Qrunfleh said, "I love Kansas and its people. I will keep that as long as I live. Kansas made a great shift in my life and was the reason for what I am today."
He credits his major professor for much of this change.
"The late Professor Ron Campbell (my adviser), his continuous encouragement and the excellent education I earned inspired me and made me when I came back to my beloved country as a successful lecturer, researcher and graduate adviser," he said.
K-State horticulture Professor Houchang Khatamian remembers when Qrunfleh served on the former doctoral student's graduate committee with Campbell.
"Mostafa is a straightforward, intelligent man with a super personality," Khatamian said. "That trait makes you remember him from the first day on."
Qrunfleh said the native limestone buildings on K-State's campus are similar to those of Amman, Jordan.
Qrunfleh's daughter, Abeer, was born in Manhattan, Kan. She now lives in Michigan. His three sons live in Nebraska, Ohio and Jordan.
"I am looking forward to returning for a visit to Kansas someday and meet with old beloved friends," Qrunfleh said.