In mid-2023, following an uptick in security incidents across the northern West Bank, USAID’s SMART project launched a package of initiatives to promote the resilience of local small-scale farmers and other food producers. SMART provided 124 farmers with equipment to increase production and access new local and export markets. SMART-supported equipment included new greenhouses, drip irrigation systems, and upgraded facilities. SMART targeted producers across five value chains: baby cucumber, dairy, food processing, honey, and zaatar (“thyme”). In the year after their launch, partner farmers cultivated 124 new dunums of crops, produced 263 tons, and generated $700K. Revenues are expected to increase throughout the next year.
One of the farmers supported through SMART is Jenan Marie from Kafr Dan Village—Jenin. Jenan received a new greenhouse that enabled her to begin growing and selling baby cucumbers as well as other specialty crops such as molokhyiah. SMART’s support has helped Jenan remain economically independent amid the increasingly volatile economic situation since Oct. 2023.
Watch the video above to learn more about Jenan’s story.
Subscribe to receive updates on new opportunities, news, and events.