Partnership with the Turkish TIKA Agency

Partnership with the Turkish TIKA Agency

The cooperation between the Palm Farmers Association in Jericho and the Turkish TIKA Agency represents a strategic partnership aimed at developing the Palestinian dates sector and strengthening farmer resilience through sustainable development projects.

Background of the Cooperation

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) is one of the leading international institutions supporting the Palestinian agricultural sector, having implemented numerous projects in agriculture, education, and infrastructure. In Jericho, known as the capital of Palestinian palms, the cooperation with the Palm Farmers Cooperative Association has become a true catalyst for developing this vital sector, which forms the backbone of the local economy.

Support Areas and Joint Projects

• Agricultural Infrastructure Development: Providing modern irrigation systems, water pumps, and piping networks to optimize water use and improve production efficiency.
• Training and Capacity Building: Organizing workshops and training courses for farmers on modern farming methods, pest control, and farm management according to international quality standards.
• Marketing and Export: Supporting the association’s efforts to open new marketing channels for Palestinian dates, particularly in regional and international markets, with a focus on improving packaging according to European standards.

Impact on Farmers

• Increasing palm productivity and improving the quality of dates, especially the “Mabroom” variety, considered one of the finest globally.
• Reducing operational costs by introducing energy- and water-saving irrigation systems.
• Creating more job opportunities for youth and women in packing, packaging, and marketing.
• Enhancing the resilience of farmers in the Jordan Valley, who face complex political and economic challenges.

Strategic Dimension of the Cooperation

This cooperation is not limited to technical and financial support, but reflects a long-term partnership between Palestine and Turkey in agricultural development. It also contributes to strengthening Palestinian food security and gives farmers the ability to compete in global markets, thereby increasing the value of Palestinian dates as a national product with cultural and economic identity.

Conclusion

The cooperation between the Palm Farmers Association in Jericho and the Turkish TIKA Agency represents a successful model of integration between international support and local initiative, combining modern technology with Palestinian agricultural expertise to place the dates sector on a more sustainable and prosperous path.