Over the past few decades, Palestine has faced financial strife, which the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated because of commercial shutdowns. Prior to 2020, 29% of Palestinians lived below the poverty line. As of 2021, that number increased to 36% of the population. Despite these statistics, the United Nations and various dedicated individuals provided services and information to help reduce poverty in Palestine at an individual and community level.

Efforts to Improve Citizens’ Well-Being

Rainwater collection helps many residents alleviate their water supply. The dry and arid region provides limited access to groundwater. According to a 2019 study published in the European Geosciences Union, approximately 50% of the West Bank and Palestine have the potential to be used for effective rainwater harvesting (RWH). This sustainable form of water collection alleviates some uncertainty. Research shows a 74% overlap between the most impoverished regions and suitability for RWH in the northern regions of Nablus, Jenin and Tubas. The study suggests adding further RWH techniques in those areas to take advantage of the weather. The water collected becomes useful for a variety of professional and personal uses. A clear and reliable source of water renders a better quality of life.

A separate 2022 study published in a scientific journal under the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) measured meat production and distribution in Palestine. Privatized slaughterhouses fail to abide by guidelines that prevent diseases. They also lack infrastructure and authorities who monitor potential foodborne illnesses. Approximately 25% of meat in the region contains salmonella, and 95% holds E. coli. These pathogens often go unreported by both consumers and sellers of contaminated products. To diminish the potential public risk, the United Nations cooperated with local officials to monitor food production to increase compliance with safe practices. This includes the implementation of pasteurizing dairy products to reduce transmission of the infectious disease brucellosis by nearly 80%.

The MDPI study suggests that providing Palestine with effective ways to combat foodborne diseases improves well-being. The increase in food production and quality produces a more thriving society. Factoring in issues such as changing weather patterns and epidemics and documenting all changes to the systems also ensures a positive impact for those facing poverty in Palestine.

The United Nations Helps Fight Poverty in Palestine

For the past 21 years, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has partnered with the German Development Bank (KfW) to help meet the needs of Palestinian communities. The UNDP and KfW raised more than $110 million USD for this cause and built more than 260 classrooms in the region. Their continued efforts rendered nearly 600 agricultural greenhouses and 14 water reservoirs to support the communities. Since 2021, this partnership introduced hundreds of permanent jobs and continues through the present day.

Looking Ahead

The attempts to reduce poverty in Palestine remain an ever-present issue. Many international organizations help, yet there remains more work to be done. The water collections, food regulations and international donations improve lives. The United Nations funds various groups that help families improve their living conditions. The Islamic Relief Fund also supplies access to food, health care and hygiene for struggling Palestinians. These dedicated people work toward a goal that becomes closer to becoming a reality every day.

– Abigail Dudley
Photo: Pixabay