Green Jobs and Sustainable Income Opportunities for Palestinian Youth in the Agri-food Sector

20/06/2023

Living in Bir Nabala- Jerusalem, Abrar’s family depended on family farming as their only source of income. All the family members used to contribute to the process of family farming to support their livelihood.

After Abrar graduated from Al Quds University in 2017, specializing in Public Health and Nutrition, she had a small dream to give back to her family and contribute to their household expenses. She also possessed a strong drive for financial independence and longed to become a young entrepreneur. However, she needs proper training and experience in the agri-food sector.

Fortunately, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Coordination Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip (FAO WBGS) had begun implementing the “Green Jobs and Sustainable Income Opportunities for Palestinian Youth in the Agri-food Sector- Phase I” project. Funded by the Kingdom of Denmark, FAO facilitated vocational training for over 400 young Palestinians in the Agri-food sector during the project.

Abrar was among the trainees who participated in the project and benefited from the training programs. She was equipped with the knowledge to meet the labour market demands in the sector of agri-food and green jobs.

 “The project enhanced my self-confidence and empowered me, giving me hope that I can support youth employability and empower women in my society,” Abrar said.

The project had a significant impact on Abrar and her family’s income. With the knowledge and skills gained from the project, Abrar established a small chocolate factory in her neighborhood.

Her chocolate was an excellent alternative to manufactured chocolate, which contained artificial sweeteners unsuitable for diabetic patients. Abrar used Stevia sugar, a natural sweetener ideal for such patients. Furthermore, she catered to those with milk allergies by offering plant-based milk like soya or non-dairy milk. Other types of chocolate focused on sportive people with high protein value.

“My monthly sales reached around 30 kg which is considered satisfactory for a newly established project. I expect that my sales will double or triple this year as I am planning to enter new markets and apply new marketing approaches,” said Abrar.

With FAO’s aid, Abrar believes that her family is more resilient in the event of any potential financial setbacks by diversifying their household income.

The project not only impacted Abrar but her family too, since her brother assists with product branding, marketing and designing, and her mother supports the production and packing phases of the manufacture.