Agricultural development is crucial to the economic well-being of Palestine, and the contributions of rural women deserve to be recognized. Unfortunately, poverty tends to be most prevalent in rural areas around the world, and Palestinians, in particular, face many barriers while trying to develop their agricultural land. Restrictions on the importation of fertilizers, lack of access to water, and land theft have all severely damaged the Palestinian agricultural industry and the various attempts to develop it.

Rural women provide hope in this dire situation, as many continue to maintain their farms in spite of the challenges. UPA is committed to helping these women sustain their livelihood with its Agriculture program. Throughout the years, UPA’s Agriculture program has promoted sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of drip irrigation, raised beds, organic fertilizer, and other organic methods that have helped Palestinians produce healthier crops. The Agriculture program has also promoted food security, environmental protection, and financial stability for Palestinian farmers, especially in the most vulnerable and impoverished areas.

Last year, the Agriculture program targeted female heads-of-household in the rural village of Faqu’a, and taught them how to build sustainable vegetable gardens to benefit themselves and their families. In honor of the International Day of Rural Women, UPA reaffirms its commitment to providing a higher quality of life for rural families in Palestine.