For thousands of years, the olive tree has
been an integral part of the Palestinian landscape: a symbol of
Palestinian identity, culture and tradition. The majority of Palestinian farmers
are at least partially dependent on olive cultivation.
been an integral part of the Palestinian landscape: a symbol of
Palestinian identity, culture and tradition. The majority of Palestinian farmers
are at least partially dependent on olive cultivation.
In a good year,
the olive oil sector contributes over $100 million income annually to
some of the poorest communities. Olive cultivation also has strong
social and political aspects, as the planting of olive orchards is often an
attempt to prevent the confiscation of land by Israel or settlers and to protect
Palestinian livelihoods.
the olive oil sector contributes over $100 million income annually to
some of the poorest communities. Olive cultivation also has strong
social and political aspects, as the planting of olive orchards is often an
attempt to prevent the confiscation of land by Israel or settlers and to protect
Palestinian livelihoods.
While the olive oil sector significantly
contributes to economic security and generates income and employment,
numerous obstacles prevent the sector from realizing its full
potential. A lack of adequate resources and neffective sectoral
management coupled with environmental factors, poor production and quality
practices have caused stagnation in the development of the
sector.
contributes to economic security and generates income and employment,
numerous obstacles prevent the sector from realizing its full
potential. A lack of adequate resources and neffective sectoral
management coupled with environmental factors, poor production and quality
practices have caused stagnation in the development of the
sector.
Donors and NGOs need to work with the relevant
Palestinian authorities and all stakeholders to develop an effective strategy
and improve coordination and regulation of the sector. With the right
investments, and the adoption of improved agricultural practices, Oxfam
estimates that the productivity and therefore the incomes of olive farmers could
double.
Palestinian authorities and all stakeholders to develop an effective strategy
and improve coordination and regulation of the sector. With the right
investments, and the adoption of improved agricultural practices, Oxfam
estimates that the productivity and therefore the incomes of olive farmers could
double.
Yet, such investments are meaningless unless
Israel, which has occupied the West Bank since 1967,
refrains from actions that restrict Palestinian farmers from access to
their land and means of livelihoods.
Israel, which has occupied the West Bank since 1967,
refrains from actions that restrict Palestinian farmers from access to
their land and means of livelihoods.
This report shares the
learning, success and challenges Oxfam and its partners have faced over a number
of years. We believe that if the Palestinian Authority, Israel, the
international community, donors and NGOs address the issues outlined in this
report the future for Palestinian olive farmers looks bright.
learning, success and challenges Oxfam and its partners have faced over a number
of years. We believe that if the Palestinian Authority, Israel, the
international community, donors and NGOs address the issues outlined in this
report the future for Palestinian olive farmers looks bright.
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