Qalqilya – Under TARABOT Palestine Programme, UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP), in partnership with the Prime’s Minister Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), launched the Integrated Rural Development Package in the Qalqilya seam zone (Area C) with a generous contribution of US$ 1,250,314 from the Governments of Austria and Finland. 
 

The launch event was attended by H.E Riad Attari, Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Rafi’ Rawajba, Governor of Qalqilya, Peter Launsky, Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Astrid Wein, Head of the Austrian Representation in Ramallah, Mr. Jussi Karakoski, Head of the Finnish Cooperation, Ms. Yvonne Helle, UNDP/PAPP Special Representative of the Administrator, representatives from civil society organizations, the private sector, and community members, including farmers. 
 

The Integrated Rural Development package in Area C aims to create sustainable income-raising opportunities and achieve sustainable productivity and profitability. It will also enhance the socio-economic conditions of the Palestinian people in the Qalqilya Seam Zone, which will contribute to the advancement of transformative resilience in the area.

 

On behalf of the government, the Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Mr. Riad Attari, emphasized the alignment of the programme with the national development plans, including cluster development. H.E. Attari expressed his gratitude to all partners, with special recognition given to the governments of Austria and Finland, in addition to UNDP. He also highlighted the significant efforts made by Palestinian partners from civil society organizations, local communities, private sectors, and government institutions. He stated, "while we acknowledge and appreciate the preparation and development of this response package, we must recognize that our farmers are the true champions in protecting our lands and advancing economic productivity.”
 

The package aims to advance national strategies to reinforce the socio-economic resilience of the targeted group in the area. It includes major investments to enhance rural development in the Qalqilya seam zone, which will have a fundamental impact on the economic productivity, social welfare, and livelihood conditions of the community members, with a focus on women and youth.
 

The package targets approximately 7,700 dunums of rich agricultural land, which are under cultivation by 700 farmers who are the main breadwinners of 3,500 family members living in neighboring villages, and it will be implemented with nine civil society organizations, the private sector, government entities, community members, and farmers.
 

Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peter Launsky stated “Austria has been a longstanding and reliable partner for the Palestinian people. Since the signing of the Oslo Accords, Palestine has been a focus of the Austrian Development Cooperation. In this context, Austria has supported resilience programmes for more than a decade in Area C, in Jerusalem and in Gaza. We are proud of today’s launch of a new economic development package under the lead of the Palestinian Authority, implemented through a consortium of nine NGOs in close cooperation with farmers and businesses.” 
 

Mr. Jussi Karakoski, Head of the Finnish Cooperation said: “Finland is honored to be part of the TARABOT programme, which strives to enhance Palestinian resilience across Palestine. TARABOT's interventions contribute substantially to Palestinian national planning and make a significant impact on the ground. Our partnership has yielded tangible results in East Jerusalem, and we are now working on multiple key initiatives in Gaza. This package in Qalqilya is a testament to our unwavering commitment to support the Palestinian people. We believe that our joint efforts will make a difference and leave a positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of people.” 
 

Through the launched package, the programme expects to generate 16,500 workdays upon completion of the activities, with an anticipated increase of 8%-12% in monthly income per family and the creation of around 50-60 sustainable jobs. 
 

“The Integrated Agriculture Development package in Area C is a promising model for integrated rural development, and we are excited about the potential impact it will have on the economic productivity, social welfare, and livelihoods of the communities, particularly the women and youth”, said Yvonne Helle, UNDP/PAPP Special Representative of the Administrator. “ Helle added: “UNDP/PAPP is committed to continue joining efforts with all relevant development partners in the oPt to promote multi-stakeholder dialogue and partnerships, that aim to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people in the most vulnerable communities”.
 

It is worth mentioning that the Integrated Rural Development Package in Qalqilya is part of the larger TARABOT programme which aims to address the developmental and resilience needs of the Palestinian people affected by the geographical drivers of vulnerability in East Jerusalem, Area C and Gaza. The programme recognizes the importance of national ownership and leadership in sustainable development, self-reliance and preserving identity as key pillars within the complicated geo-political settings and fragile socioeconomic conditions. TARABOT’s interventions are contributing to economic development and supporting businesses, identifying solutions to urban planning and housing, protecting the Palestinian identity through investments in culture, and improving the socio-economic conditions through investments in agriculture, water, culture tourism and employment to shift from humanitarian dependency to sustainable development. 
 

For further information, please contact:

Musa Khalil, Communications Analyst, E-mail: musa.khalil@undp.org.
Tel: +972 6268200, Mobile: +972 5748761 For more information on UNDP/PAPP visit www.ps.undp.or