Due to a protracted situation of conflict, the economy in the Gaza Strip has developed largely dependent on International humanitarian assistance. The isolation of markets, widespread unemployment, and the economic crisis have caused a serious decline in population living standards, with a high level of food insecurity. Recently the population in Gaza Strip has reached a 1.65 million in an area of only 360 km2 (PCBS, 2013). The rapid increase of the population (3,2% yearly growth rate), land scarcity and the challenge of food security have accelerated the phenomenon of urban agriculture. Currently, the majority of agricultural production of vegetables, fruits and livestock in Gaza is recognised as being from urban or peri-urban agriculture. In Gaza Strip, despite many constraints, agriculture and related activities are still offering the opportunity of food, income and employment for the local population. By presenting a study case related to an International project promoting the dairy cattle sector, we have investigated the humanitarian intervention in the Gaza Strip exploring key actions and related effects (technical, social and economic). We have also identified and investigated ways of breeding cattle and proposed a reflection on how developing the sector, focusing on main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and constraints. In addition, we have explored the social and economic reasons for keeping dairy cattle, and analysed the related sustainability. Finally, we would like to propose what we have learned from this experience in order to help making future choice and contribute to the process of rural development supported by International cooperation.
Keeping dairy cattle in the Gaza Strip: a case of study.
ROSSIGNOLI, CRISTIANO;DI IACOVO, FRANCESCO PAOLO;MORUZZO, ROBERTA
2014-01-01
Abstract
Due to a protracted situation of conflict, the economy in the Gaza Strip has developed largely dependent on International humanitarian assistance. The isolation of markets, widespread unemployment, and the economic crisis have caused a serious decline in population living standards, with a high level of food insecurity. Recently the population in Gaza Strip has reached a 1.65 million in an area of only 360 km2 (PCBS, 2013). The rapid increase of the population (3,2% yearly growth rate), land scarcity and the challenge of food security have accelerated the phenomenon of urban agriculture. Currently, the majority of agricultural production of vegetables, fruits and livestock in Gaza is recognised as being from urban or peri-urban agriculture. In Gaza Strip, despite many constraints, agriculture and related activities are still offering the opportunity of food, income and employment for the local population. By presenting a study case related to an International project promoting the dairy cattle sector, we have investigated the humanitarian intervention in the Gaza Strip exploring key actions and related effects (technical, social and economic). We have also identified and investigated ways of breeding cattle and proposed a reflection on how developing the sector, focusing on main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and constraints. In addition, we have explored the social and economic reasons for keeping dairy cattle, and analysed the related sustainability. Finally, we would like to propose what we have learned from this experience in order to help making future choice and contribute to the process of rural development supported by International cooperation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
