PADRRIF Newsletter

Non-periodic newsletter published by Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction & Insurance Fund

In This Issue

• Forward from Dr. Nasser Al-Jaghoub • Report on Agricultural Damages • Meetings with several institutions • PADRRIF participates in a specialized training program • PADRRIF expands its agricultural insurance database • Practices of the Israeli occupation in Area C • Farmer “Shareef Khaled” resisting occupation

NO. 0/ 2021 Agricultural Insurance in Palestine Between aspirations and challenges

Written By: Dr. Nasser Al-Jaghoub Head of PADRRIF Investment in agricultural sector has long been the governments’ centre of interest in both developed and developing countries. This is due to strategic issues, foremost of which is the food security issue which is associated with national security. In addition, the agricultural sector is considered the sponge of poverty and unemployment because of its ability to absorb manpower and provide production inputs for other large productive sectors. Palestine’s agricultural sector is a major component of the national economy; mainly because of the important role it plays through its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), employment opportunities and national products exports. Moreover, it represents resilience, confrontation and clinging to Palestinian lands targeted for expropriation and settlement from Israel; which threatens agricultural development efforts. In addition to political risks, Palestine has been affected by the phenomenon of climate change; as natural and climatic hazards are a recurring cause of agricultural damage and losses and it has become a real burden on the Palestinian farmers for many years. Despite attempts by the Ministry of Agriculture and consecutive Palestinian governments to raise the necessary funds to alleviate the effects of these risks, the absence of a specialized national institution that addresses this national burden has distanced governmental interventions, reduced the possibilities of success and hindered speed of development. From here, the government established the Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund (PADRRIF) to be a pioneer institution in the field of agricultural risk management, through the employment of all interventions, tools and scientific methods available seeking to improve investment and finance environment and speed development in agricultural sector. Risks in Agricultural Sector Some studies estimated that the risks in agriculture are 20 times more than in other sectors, such as health insurance or vehicle insurance, through the product chain from manufacturing to marketing. The agricultural sector in Palestine is exposed to several risks, such as natural and climatic risks, and market forces risks such as supply and demand, and political risks arising from occupation and lack of control over classified lands c. And in view of the geographical location of Palestine in the Mediterranean basin and specifically in the south, it is more exposed to the risks of drought and Frost. These risks have negatively affected the agricultural sector in Palestine, which has led to: • Many farms and agricultural businesses were damaged and losses accumulated. • A decrease in the contribution of agriculture to the GDP. • A distortion of the sustainable development process. • Decline in investment in the agricultural sector and leaving work in it for the benefit of other sectors. • High burdens and costs of compensation on the government for the affected farmers. • Small farmers ’income has fluctuated and many of them lose their job opportunities. All this shows the farmers› need for an agricultural insurance system that protects them from the risks of losing production and returns them to the agricultural production cycle. Once again, agricultural insurance constitutes a safety net for farmers, and is considered an attractive tool for investment in the agricultural sector and also promotes sound agricultural practices to reduce risks. Importance of Agricultural Insurance The importance of agricultural insurance is strongly reflected in that it gives farmers a sense of safety and confidence, provides protection from production risks, encourages farmers to invest more in new technology, provides an encouraging climate for rural bank finance, state support for insurance is in compliance with the terms of the World Trade Organization, leads to improved performance and adoption of correct agricultural production conditions, as well as the government is exempt from indiscriminate compensation in the event of agricultural disasters. The role of PADRRIF in the face of risks and hazards Based on the strategic directions of PADRRIF for the years 2017-2022, 3 comprehensive programs were adopted (1) The Agricultural Risk Management Programme, (2) The Agribusiness Environment Development Programme, and (3) The Administrative and Financial Programme. The directorate general of agricultural insurance focuses on the first program which is based on a set of outputs: - Output 1: A comprehensive agricultural disaster risk management framework; articulating and harmonizing possible interventions before, during, and after the occurrence of agricultural disasters. - Output 2: Mandatory technical standards endorsed and applied by agricultural businesses and enterprises, raising their level of readiness and preparedness to encounter agricultural risks. - Output 3: An articulated and institutionalized agricultural compensation sector that contributes to the recovery from agricultural damages. - Output 4: A market for agricultural insurance and partnerships to mitigate agricultural risks. - Output 5: Monitoring, risk analysis and early warning systems. In the same context, the DG of agricultural insurance implemented several activities and projects in parallel with the general strategic guidelines of PADRRIF, making a number of achievements, foremost of which is creating the steering committee to monitor the implementation of agricultural insurance roadmap; this step was built on the results of the development of agricultural insurance in Palestine study. The committee was formed by one representative from each of the Ministry of Agriculture, General Union of the Palestinian Peasants and Agricultural Cooperatives, the Palestinian Capital Market Authority (PCMA), Agricultural Development Association (PARC), Palestinian Agricultural Credit Institution (PACI), and the Palestinian Insurance Federation (PIF). On another note, and in line with these efforts, the DG of agricultural Insurance made an assessment of the demand on agricultural insurance through conducting a preliminary survey on farmers’ financial and insurance needs in collaboration with PACI. The most important result was that 80 % of surveyed farmers confirmed their willingness to join the agricultural insurance program.

00972- 2961861/6 00972- 2961877 PADRRIF The Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund Agricultural damages for the first quarter of 2021.

The Palestinian agricultural risk reduction and insurance fund has established a computerized software for the agricultural damages that affect the farmer, through developing a paper damage inventory form, converting it to soft copy survey and collecting data on agricultural damages within the computerized software, which serves the strategic goals of developing fast and accurate computerized systems in the field of measuring the value of agricultural losses and damages. In addition, establishing and managing suitable data bases to inventory and documenting agricultural damages. The agricultural damages are divided into two sections: - Data related to agricultural damages caused by natural risks - Data related to agricultural damages caused by practices of Israeli occupation

For the first quarter of 2021 agricultural damages were recorded as follows:

Firstly: data of agricultural damages

• Plant Production The total value of damages for Plant production sector reached 217402.50 NIS, while and governorates were the most affected in the north of with a total estimated area of521 Dunoms and 166 Dunoms respectively. Moreover, Jericho and Jeftlik areas were the most affected areas in the middle of West Bank with a total damaged area of 110 Dunoms. While in the south of West Bank, Dura is considered as the most affected area, with a total damaged area of 240 Dunoms. The following graph explains damaged areas in West Bank:

45.5% olive 17.6%Cucumber 05.8%cauliflower 04.5% Tomato 04.3% zucchini 04.1% bean 03.9% barley wheat 03.3% barley wheat • Livestock production The total value of damages for the livestock production sector reached 1005155.62 NIS; where Beita, and Zababdeh are considered the most affected areas in the north of West Bank, and Shioukh area as the most affected area in the south of the West Bank. The following graph explains damages in the livestock production sector:

88.7% broiler chicken 04.3% sheep 02.8% lamb 02.7% sheep 00.9% feed 00.6% Assaf sheeps 00.0% Non pregnant goats

• Fisheries Damages of fisheries sector were limited to damage of 3000 sweet water fish seeds, with a percent of 50% from the affected farm in Samou’ area in the south of West Bank.

• Farm facilities The total value of damages for farm facilities and equipment reached 5050629.75 NIS; with Arbouneh and Ajjah areas being the most affected in the north of West Bank, and Bani Naim and Yatta the most affected areas in the south of West Bank. The following graph explains damages in Farm facilities:

54.7% laying hens(closed system) 12.6 % Greenhouse - Donum 01.9 % Sheep breeding farm 00.7 % Blastick cover_500 meter

00972- 2961861/6 00972- 2961877 PADRRIF The Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund Secondly: Political damages Data: • Plant Production The total value of damages for plant production sector reached 550826.50 NIS; whereHowarah and Beita areas considered as the most affected in the north of West Bank with a total estimated area of 400 Donums. In addition, Deir Ballout and Deir Nizam areas were considered as the most affected areas in the middle of West Bank, with estimated damage areas of 113 Dunoms and 75 Dunoms respectively. Beitt Ta’mar area was the most affected area in the south of West Bank, as a total estimated area of 400 square meters of agricultural rooms were demolished.. The following graph explains damages based on political damage:

73.7% graps 24.6% olive 01.0% Citrus 00.7% Fruit 00.0%Protecteed 00.0%Rainforest 00.0% Avocado 00.0% Figs almonds Tomato almonds

• Livestock production The total damage to this sector reached 385025.55 NIS, where Zababdeh area was considered as the most affected area in the north of West Bank, and Kufr Malik was the most affected area in the middle of West Bank. The following graph explains damages in livestock production sector:

98.5% broiler chicken 00.9% sheep 00.6% New Born Lambs • Farm Facilities The total value of damage to farm facilities reached342935.67 NIS, where Almughaier, Kufr Malik, Deir Nizam, and Bidya areas were considered as the most affected areas in West Bank. The following graph explains damages in farm facilities in West Bank.

57.2% Agricultural tractor 15.9% Pond 08.2% Retaining wall 05.6% Fences 05.5% stockyard 04.6% Injasah well 00.3% Blastick cover- Donum

Based on previous information, the total losses could be explained as follows:

Cause losses / NIS total Natural 6273187.87 7551975.59 Political 1278787.72

00972- 2961861/6 00972- 2961877 PADRRIF Some news of PADRRIF for the first quarter of this year The Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund PADRRIF activities were concentrated in the first quarter of 2021 in cooperation and partnership with Agricultural directorates staffs in the Palestinian Governorates. This could be summarized as follows: • A meeting for the Steering Committee of the agricultural insurance. The Steering Committee of agricultural insurance held its meeting headed by Dr. Nasser AlJaghoub and the Assistant undersecretary for the head of PADRRIF Ms. Adeebeh Musleh. This meeting aimed to discuss and review developments and achievements for implementing the road map of developing the agricultural insurance system in Palestine. • Workshops on expanding the database of the agricultural insurance. Dr. Nasser AlJaghoub, the Head of PADRRIF concluded workshops related to expanding the database of agricultural insurance, which targeted PADRRIF’s staff working in governorates. These workshops came as a preface to launch agricultural insurance policy, which includes grapes products, tomato planted in greenhouses and Broiler chickens in closed systems. During the workshops the computerized survey was presented, this survey was developed by PADRRIF’s Staff and it was discussed during workshops that were held in the northern office in and the southern officeBethlehem. in

• PADRRIF begins to expand the agricultural insurance Database. PADRRIF’s staff in Palestine begins to expand the agricultural insurance database in prelude to launch the agricultural insurance policy; which includes grapes products, tomato planted in greenhouses and Broiler chickens in closed systems.

• Meetings with several institutions. - PADRRIF held a meeting with Palestine Standards Institution, to discuss the technical specifications for agricultural facilities. - A meeting was held in the headquarters of PADRRIF, which included representatives from the engineering department of PADRRIF and Al-Huda Charity Association. This meeting was specified to discuss pilot projects of greenhouses resistant to hard weather conditions, which were executed by PADRRIF in the Palestinian governorates • PADRRIF meets with the Ministry of Agriculture. PADRRIF held meetings with Staff of Ministry of Agriculture to discuss the implementation mechanism of EU-funded Assistance to Agriculture Programme. This programme, which is targeted at farmers affected by Israeli Occupation practices, is executed by PADRRIF in partnership of Ministry of Agriculture in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. • PADRRIF meets with the Ministry of Finance. PADRRIF held meetings with the Ministry of Finance to approve the operating budget of PADRRIF, which will be implemented this year. • PADRRIF participates in a specialized training program. PADRRIF’s staff in Gaza Strip participated in a project management training program organized by the EU-funded Assistance to Agriculture Programme, in cooperation with General Consulting & Training Co. The 3- day training program focused on project life cycle covering planning, risk management, execution and monitoring and evaluation. • Receiving completed projects through Assistance to Agriculture rogramme. Within the Assistance to Agriculture Programme, the technical committees received executed projects in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Jericho and Nablus.

• Opening PADRRIF’s offices in the north and the south of West Bank. In line with the executive plan for PADRRIF and instructions of Head of PADRRIF Dr.Nasser Jaghoub and the assistant undersecretary of the Head of PADRRIF Ms. Adeebeh Musleh; PADRRIF opened its office in the north of West Bank in Nablus, and its office in the south of West Bank in Bethlehem. This step aims to enhance communication with farmers and organizations in the sector of agriculture, and developing service to the farmer. • The political and natural damages documentation committees. PADRRIF’s staffs worked intensively with staffs of the Ministry of Agriculture to document natural damages caused by weather depressions, which caused huge damages and losses for farmers, especially for greenhouses. In addition, the committees worked on documenting damages caused by Israeli occupation practices represented in sweeping large areas of lands in Salfit, Hebron, Bethlehem and Ramallah, moreover these practices included cutting olive trees, fruitful trees and demolishing agricultural facilities in many governorates. • Participating in the Tree Day events . PADRRIF’s Staff took part in events to mark The Tree Day in Salfit, Tubas, and Bethlehem. Activities during this annual celebration included planting forest and fruitful trees in areas that threatened with confiscation and settlement.

00972- 2961861/6 00972- 2961877 PADRRIF Israeli Occupation practices in area (C) The Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund

Israeli Occupation, took control of West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip in 1967. This occupation allowed Israel to take control over all natural resources in mentioned areas. Since then, Palestinians have been prevented from their normal right of reaching their lands and their natural resources. According to Al-Haq Organization for human rights, Palestinians were prevented from establishing infrastructure developing projects. After Oslo Accords, West Bank was divided into three areas: Area (A): it represents 3% of West Bank lands, which expanded to 18% of West Bank in 1999, most of Area (A) lays under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

Area (B): it represents 21% of West Bank lands, the PA controls education, health and the economy, while the Israeli Occupation has external security control over both areas (A) and (B). This means that the Israeli Occupation retains the right to enter these areas at any time, typically for the purpose of arresting or assassinating any Palestinian citizen.

Area (C): it represents 60% of occupied West Bank, according to Oslo Accords, this area must lay under the Palestinian Authority control, but in reality, Israeli occupation controls all life sides in this area, including security, planning and construction matters. Nowadays, approximately 150000 Palestinian citizens are living in area (C), and suffering from restrictions that prevent them from urban planning and construction in their own lands, also, these restrictions prevent Palestinians from reaching to natural resources and service facilities in this area.

During the first quarter of this year, PADRRIF’s Staff in the Palestinian governorates documented dozens of Israeli Assaults toward Palestinian farmers, such as, cutting down Olive trees and fruitful trees, sweeping huge areas of agricultural lands for the purpose of constructing settlement roads, in addition, demolishing agricultural rooms, water collection wells and agricultural ponds. Thus, these losses, which were recorded through PADRRIF computerized software, reached to 388000 USD. As one of the main examples of struggling from Occupation and settlers practices, Jayyous Village, east of Qalqilya, is considered as one of the most affected villages from the separation wall. It has a total area of12000 Dunoms, of which the Israeli occupation confiscated most of its lands, which led to the isolation of more than 3000 Dunoms and 6 artesian wells behind the separation wall. Moreover, Jayyous is surrounded by three Israeli settlements. In addition, Jayyous is famous for its olive trees and diverse fruit trees, as well as protected and unprotected vegetables; there are more than 200 greenhouses in the village. Mr. Shareef Khaled (Abu Azzam) is one exceptional farmer, who was born in Jayyous in June 1943, more than the half of his land is located behind the Separation Wall, and he can’t access his land without a permission issued by the Israeli occupation. During the 90’s, he was arrested for refusing to obey the Israeli occupation’s order to not cultivate his land, but he insisted to cultivate his land, and after 8 years of court battle with so-called the high Israeli court, he was able to grab his right of owning his land. Moreover, Mr. Shareef represented affected farmers in the International European Conference at The Hague, where Mr. Shareef presented a live witness supported with documents and maps for the Israeli Occupation violations toward Palestinian farmers. In the spirit of supporting farmers’ resilience in their land, for the purpose of protecting the continuity of Palestinian presence and make this resilience effective and sustainable, the requested financial support from the European Union, for the benefit of farmers affected by the Israeli occupation violations in West Bank and Gaza Strip. This financial support comes through “Restoration of productive capacities for farmers affected by Israeli violations, rebuilding what was destroyed by the Israeli occupation and protect economic activities through rebuilding program”.

It was agreed to implement the agricultural sector assistance program under the title of (Assistance to Agriculture- West Bank and Gaza Strip). This program, which relies on Damage Assessment Database, aims to support and help affected farmers to resume their agricultural activities which suffered from damages in plant and livestock production, infrastructure, agricultural facilities and water resources. The total budget for this program is7 million Euros for West Bank, and 10.5 million Euros for Gaza Strip. The program aims to provide direct financial support for the beneficiary farmers and agri-businesses in order to sustain their economic activities through reconstruction, repair and replacement of damaged capital equipment and/or through support to the businesses› operational needs, while the Palestinian government covers the operational costs for the program. The aid program implemented 612 projects in Palestinian governorates, these projects varied from plant and livestock production to agricultural production supplies; including sheep breeding, cows breeding, beekeeping, rehabilitation and reclamation of agricultural lands, stone chains, greenhouses, irrigation networks, agricultural roads and agricultural equipment.

00972- 2961861/6 00972- 2961877 PADRRIF The Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund

Abu Azzam, 78 years old, is still struggling with Israeli occupation and settlers, and cultivating his land and protecting it. Avocado, mango, guava, Citrus and Nut trees are witnessing the resilience of our farmer on his land. This land helped Abu Azzam to educate his 7 children to get the high education and getting their PHDs and Master’s Degrees in various specializations. Finally, Abu Azzam says: The Palestinian farmer is steadfast in his land and his roots are deep in the earth. Neither starvation nor thirst will be able to take off our roots. PADRRIF The Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund

Reach Us The Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund

Headquarter Mai Ziadeh St., AlMasayef, Ramallah Tel: +9722961866 /1 Fax: +972296187 /7 Email: [email protected]

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