MA’AN Development Center participated in the launch of the agricultural development project “LIFT-Palestine,” initiated by the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, represented by H.E. Minister of Agriculture Prof. Rizeq Salimiya, in partnership with several national and international organizations, funded by the Swedish Consulate in Jerusalem, and in cooperation with We Effect. The project aims to enhance the resilience of agricultural communities and improve their livelihoods across several governorates, including Jenin.
The project was officially launched in the presence of a wide range of stakeholders, including Ms. Sophie Beker, Consul General of Sweden. The program is set to run until 2029 and focuses on developing agricultural infrastructure and strengthening sustainable food systems.
MA’AN was represented at the launch meeting by Mr. Sami Khader, General Director; Mr. Hassan Abdel Jabar, Programs Director; and Mr. Johnny Muslim, Director of the Natural Resources Protection and Development Program.
In his remarks, Khader emphasized the importance of the project in light of the current economic, social, and political conditions, highlighting the strategic significance of the targeted areas and the vital role of national and international partnerships in achieving sustainable development impact.
He noted that MA’AN’s interventions in Jenin under the project will be implemented through an integrated package of activities. These include improving access to water and land through the rehabilitation of irrigation networks, construction of rainwater harvesting tanks, rehabilitation of springs and agricultural roads, and the use of solar energy systems for wells.
The interventions also include supporting climate-resilient agricultural food systems by providing drought-resistant seedlings, developing composting units, and promoting smart irrigation practices and integrated pest management.
In addition, the project focuses on supporting food processing and entrepreneurship by providing small grants for women and youth, developing food processing units, and enhancing marketing and market access.
The program is implemented by five main partners: We Effect, the MA’AN Development Center, the Palestinian Hydrology Group, the Land Research Center, and the Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem (ARIJ), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.
The “LIFT-Palestine” project represents an important step toward strengthening the resilience of rural communities through an integrated approach that combines infrastructure development, improved production, and enhanced environmental and economic sustainability.
