Background
In 2007, political, economic and social conditions continued to deteriorate in the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WBGS), following the breakdown of the Fatah-Hamas ceasefire and the resumption of inter-factional hostilities. As a result, there are now two authorities in control, the Government of the Prime Minister Salaam Fayyed in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza.
Ordinary Palestinians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing crisis with unemployment rates reaching 32 percent in the Gaza Strip and 23 percent in the West Bank. Increases in West Bank checkpoints coupled with trade restrictions have severely impacted the movement of people and goods and correspond to a major obstacle to income generation. Moreover, West Bank closures, confiscations and the destruction of land, wells and water harvesting cisterns have impeded access to water. In the Gaza Strip, import limitations and the export freeze may lead to an irreversible collapse of the economy.
Challenges facing food security and livelihoods
The agriculture sector in the WBGS is a source of sustainable employment, income-generation and food security for many Palestinians and represents the main coping mechanism in rural areas. To this end, in February 2007, a joint FAO/WFP assessment indicated that 57 percent of Palestinians live below the poverty line, while food insecurity affects 34 percent of the population. The most vulnerable areas are Tubas, Nablus, Tulkarm and Qalqiliya in the West Bank and North Gaza, Khan Yunis and Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
Access to adequate food remains a problem as a result of high market prices, declining household purchasing power, localized food shortages and limited access to arable land exacerbated by the tightened closure regime and the Barrier. Profitability of agricultural enterprises continues to be at risk owing to escalating prices of agricultural inputs, including fertilizers and animal feed. Although an important livelihood asset, fishing has become increasingly rare among Gazans, on account of the growing number of security restrictions in place. Scarce water resources are a primary concern and prevent poor farmers from diversifying their crops to alleviate the impact of the current situation. The inability to acquire protein-rich foods has led to an increase in micronutrient deficiencies among women and children, in particular.
FAO response
FAO is seeking US$7 335 000 for emergency and rehabilitation assistance in WBGS in 2008. The objective of FAO interventions in the WBGS is to protect immediate food security by preventing further erosion of the productive capacity, asset base and market space and enhancing protection, risk mitigation and crisis response, and coordination. Accordingly, project proposals include support to enhanced horticultural practices, capacity building initiatives, the provision of agricultural and fishery inputs, the rehabilitation of groundwater wells and various multi-sectoral training components. Income generation through backyard production and cottage industries are also being promoted, specifically aimed at female-headed households. Through the introduction of aquaculture in the Gaza Strip, proposed interventions aim to restore fishery production leading to better food security and poverty mitigation.
Food security needs and response monitoring will be addressed through the consolidation of an information system and the collection of socio-economic data to improve programme impact. The system seeks to ensure effective coordination between humanitarian relief, agricultural assistance and multi-sectoral efforts to address the causes of food security through complementary projects and by providing information and knowledge on food insecurity characteristics and trends
