Gaza Strip and Jericho Relief and Development Programme

The overall goal of the programme was to improve living conditions and incomes for impoverished rural Palestinian communities. The areas selected were all poor in resources and characterized by small and fragmented landholdings. The programme set out to boost agricultural productivity, improve conditions for fishing communities and help generate employment opportunities and income-generating activities for landless people, households headed by women and young people. One of the main programme goals was to improve water utilization through irrigation by activities such as constructing farm ponds to collect run-off water. Providing access to efficient irrigated water systems is an important step towards helping small farmers lift themselves out of poverty.

Programme activities set out to meet immediate needs as well as fulfil long-term development plans and included:

• ensuring efficient use of water through drip irrigation and construction of polyethylene greenhouses and tunnels
• improving inputs and techniques for fishing communities
• developing small-scale enterprises such as commercial milk, meat and honey production
• developing processing and marketing enterprises, mainly for women
• developing rural services such as irrigation repair services and land preparation with a view to employing young people

The programme successfully introduced and rehabilitated irrigation schemes and drinking water supplies in both Gaza and the Jericho area, where small farmers also received much-needed farm inputs, extension services and access to credit facilities. Results showed that agricultural production and incomes increased substantially following the interventions. Extensive improvements were made to the social and physical infrastructure, with an emphasis on schools and access roads. The programme also invested in developing employment opportunities and improving and promoting trade between villages to support the local economy.

Source: IFAD