The Issue
The Gaza Strip is grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis intensified by 17 years of recurrent hostilities, a comprehensive blockade, and the ongoing war. These factors have precipitated a severe food insecurity crisis, affecting nearly every aspect of daily life.
Food shortages are acute due to disruptions in imports, particularly of staple foods, leaving countless households unable to meet their basic nutritional needs. Compounding this, agricultural infrastructure —such as irrigation systems and wells — have been decimated by bombardments, drastically reducing local food production capacity. Farmers and labourers face restricted access to essential inputs and markets due to movement limitations, high costs, and logistical challenges, further undermining food production and availability. Displacement from conflict has exacerbated resource strain, with displaced families struggling to access food, water, and healthcare. The situation is further worsened by a growing health and malnutrition crisis, with children bearing the brunt of rising cases of acute malnutrition due to inadequate sanitation and clean water access. Economic instability and unemployment, fuelled by the war, have left skilled labourers and farmers unable to sustain their livelihoods, perpetuating the cycle of food insecurity.
The Project
This project addressed the urgent challenges related to food insecurity, aiming to restore agricultural productivity, support livelihoods, and enhance food security for Gaza’s most vulnerable communities. To achieve these goals, DCA/NCA in cooperation with our partner, MA’AN Development Center, provided emergency multi-purpose cash assistance (E-MPCA) as well as seeds and seedlings to war-affected farmers for them to meet their basic needs and support fresh food production.
Furthermore, the project applied a cash-for-work model, employing 200 skilled labourers to support the cultivation and harvesting of vegetable farms.
The Change
The project adopted a multi-faceted approach to address the critical food security crisis in the Gaza Strip. To meet immediate needs, Emergency Multipurpose Cash Assistance (E-MPCA) was be provided to vulnerable farmers, ensuring they can secure basic necessities while stabilizing their livelihoods. The E-MPCA program aligns with Cash Working Group (CWG) standards to maximize impact.
To enhance agricultural productivity, farmers receive essential inputs, including seeds and seedlings, to revive local food production. This effort was complemented by a structured Cash for Work (CfW) program that employed laborers for three months, reducing unemployment while directly supporting farm cultivation and harvesting activities. Together, these interventions aimed to cultivate 200 dunums of farmland, boosting fresh food availability and addressing acute shortages.
The Results
During the project period, 100 farmers and their households have received emergency multipurpose cash assistance. 200 labourers were selected and distributed to the selected farms and have been doing all necessary works according to the planned schedule. Seeds were procured, nursed into seedlings at Gaza nurseries, then planted in the farms. The procured seeds were tomato, eggplant, pepper and cucumber.
Our Partner
DCA/NCA works with MA’AN Development Center to implement the project. MA’AN is an independent Palestinian development and training NGO working in Gaza and the West Bank. MA’AN is one of the largest local agencies in Palestine, supporting both humanitarian, development and empowerment programming. MA’AN maintains a thorough portfolio and expertise in cash and voucher assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene, food security and protection programming. Since the outbreak of war in 2023, the organization is actively responding in Gaza.
Our Work
DCA and NCA work in Palestine to support Palestinian communities in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem to be economically and socially resilient and active participants in decision making processes affecting their lives. This includes advocating for respect for international humanitarian law, human rights and a just peace. Since October 7, 2023, DCA/NCA has taken part in the humanitarian response to the war in Gaza.
About the project
Full title: Building Resilience and Enhancing Food Security in the Afflicted Gaza Strip
Period: July 2024 – December 2024
Partner: MA’AN Development Center
Funding: DKK 2,500,000
Expected number of people reached: 1800 people including 458 women, 429 girls, 472 men, and 441 boys
Main Donors: Danida Humanitarian Fund
