Gardens, Goats, and More: Climate Action Palestine

Before the war, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Rebuilding Alliance was assisting 16 individuals in Gaza with small-scale farming of vegetables and fruits and raising livestock, such as goats and chickens. This unique program, called Goats and Gardens, helped families achieve a sustainable income despite harsh economic conditions.

Fortunately, we are still in contact with four recipients of the Gardens and Goats program: Shireen, Ameera, Aqela, and Abeer. This is with great thanks to the connections of Mrs. Najah, the Executive Director of the Women Programs Center, our long-standing CBO partner and friend in Gaza, and Kareem Nasrallah. It is a deep relief to learn that Shireen, one of the most successful Gardens and Goats recipients, has returned to her home—the same shelter where she first started. Her house is still standing– a miracle considering over 80 percent of residential buildings have been destroyed.  

There is word that people in Gaza have begun to garden in areas clear of rubble and debris. According to Mrs.Najah: “there are some seasonal crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, molokhia, cabbage, and cauliflower, which help meet part of the community’s vegetable needs. However, these crops are scarce, expensive, and insufficient due to the high cost of cultivation, especially in the absence of essential agricultural supplies like fertilizers and seeds.”  

One of the most pressing goals for this program moving forward is soil remediation. The soil in dozens of areas across the Gaza Strip needs to be tested to ensure safe growing conditions before launching any farming initiatives. As a result of the bombardments and chemicals used in warfare, we must test for heavy metals, PFAOS, and other contaminants. This must be in collaboration with existing entities like the World Health Organization. We already know that the Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability is seeking soil tests, but the total blockade restricts items like food and shelter, much less agricultural resources. 

Mrs.Najah offered her advice on the arduous task of remediation post-war:  “It is crucial to choose planting areas, rubble must be cleared first and the lands must be clear of contamination caused by explosives, which could render the soil unsuitable for farming. For now, we must wait and hope that the war will come to an end, bringing peace and safety back. When that happens, these women will return to their work, ready to rebuild and recover what they have lost. They will need everything to start from scratch, but this time, they have the experience and resilience to make their projects even more successful.”

Amidst these challenges, Rebuilding Alliance is determined to make a difference in the lives of the people of Gaza. 

Currently, our kitchens with ‘By the Hands of Your People’ are serving nearly 40,000 hot meals every day to displaced Gazans. The need is immense. To find a sustainable solution, we must seek to empower Palestinian families to cultivate their land.

With your generous support, Rebuilding Alliance helped 16 families raise animals and develop small farms before the war, allowing them to achieve financial independence.

Good news! We've been able to get in touch with four recipients of the program, thanks to the Executive Director of the Women's Program Center, Mrs. Najah.

• Since October 7, thousands of Palestinians lost touch with each other, often having to sell their cell phones to get by. We've tracked down four of our former program recipients - Sherein, Aqlaa, Rania, and Ammera - although their situations, like those of everyone in Gaza, remain precarious.
• Ammera has found work as a chef with World Central Kitchen, while Rania worked with the Women's Program Center in Rafah until a million people were forced to evacuate the area in May, prompting her to move to Al Mawasi.

Shireen, a mother of five, was the most successful recipient of the Gardens, Goats, and More project.

• Shireen initially received a goat, which later gave birth to three kids. She sold the kids to generate income and used the money to purchase a pregnant sheep. The sheep then had three lambs, which Shireen raised, further growing her project. This venture now provides her with a stable income, enabling her to support her family.
• In addition to raising animals, Shireen cultivated the land next to her home with various vegetables, including peas, potatoes, parsley, coriander, and others. Rebuilding Alliance provided her with the initial materials and seeds to start her garden. Shireen emphasizes that these crops became a vital source of nutrition for her family. She shared, "The crops saved me a lot, providing meals for my children from the produce of our garden."
• Recently, Rebuilding Alliance's photographer in Gaza spoke with Shireen. She currently works as a lead chef at one of Rebuilding Alliance's kitchens, which provides hot meals. Despite being displaced, Shireen has started cultivating a small plot of land to create a garden in the displacement camp. 

Gaza needs the Gardens, Goats and More programme more than ever. Self-sufficiency and food security are key to a war-torn country's future. We must face the harsh reality that Gaza has lost 70% of its agricultural land. Restoring this land, clearing debris, and testing the soil are urgent tasks. By giving people the means to grow their own food and care for animals, we can spark hope. When the ceasefire comes, we'll support Gaza families in becoming self-sufficient. That's the essence of this project.

Thank you for being a part of Gardens, Goats, and More.

Amidst these challenges, Rebuilding Alliance is determined to make a difference in the lives of the people of Gaza. With assistance from the World Food Programme, our community-based partners and cooking teams serve nearly 60,000 warm meals across Gaza every day.

Links:

• Serving hot meals in high-risk conditions
• 70% of Gaza's Cropland Destroyed