Harvesting Hope: Rebuilding Israeli Agriculture, Strengthening African Ties
Following the Hamas terror attack in the Israeli communities of the Negev, numerous foreign workers, particularly from Thailand, were murdered and abducted. Thai workers constitute the primary labor force on which Israeli agriculture relies, involving physical and intricate tasks such as tractor operation, milking, mechanization, packaging facilities, and more. Since the outset of the conflict, a substantial number of foreign workers, numbering in the thousands, have departed. This, coupled with the absence of Palestinian laborers, has created a profound labor crisis in Israel. This project aims to address the acute labor crisis faced by Israeli agriculture. Our proposal focuses on swift action to bridge this labor gap and fortify Israeli agricultural resilience through strategic interventions.
Components:
Rapid Recruitment Program: Facilitate the expedited, high-quality recruitment of agricultural trainees from Tanzania and Kenya, complementing existing programs such as AICAT. Emphasis on aligning their arrival with established training frameworks.
Innovative Work-Study Initiative: Establish an agricultural worker program where students from Israeli and universities can earn academic credits, gain practical experience, and receive training, contributing directly to Israeli farms while advancing their education and practical knowledge.
Impact:
Immediate Relief: Provision of labor support for tens, potentially hundreds or thousands of workers for an 11-month period at a minimum, mitigating the labor shortage in Israeli agriculture.
Capacity Building: Strengthening our organization’s involvement in the rebuilding of Israeli agriculture, fostering innovative approaches for sustainable solutions in the wake of conflict.
Partnership Enhancement: Forge stronger connections with Israeli farms, fostering long-term collaboration and mutual growth.
Diplomacy: Enhancing Israel's standing within African nations and fostering deeper, more robust diplomatic connections.
Key Strategies:
Recruitment Facilitation: Partnering with existing programs and institutions in Tanzania and Kenya to streamline the recruitment process, ensuring a seamless transition for incoming trainees.
Curriculum Development: Collaborate with academic and agricultural institutions to design a structured work-study program, integrating academic coursework with hands-on farm experience.
Resource Mobilization: Secure funding to support the recruitment, training, accommodation, and logistical needs of incoming trainees, ensuring a smooth and impactful integration into Israeli agriculture.
Budget Overview:
The funding request covers recruitment expenses, logistical support for trainees, program development, training materials, administrative costs, and ongoing evaluation. Estimated budget requirement for 1 year of operation, $150,000.
This project proposal outlines a comprehensive approach to alleviate the acute labor crisis in Israeli agriculture. By supporting this initiative, stakeholders will not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of the Israeli agriculture sector as well as its support for the development of African agriculture. We seek partnership and funding to execute this vital project, ensuring the resilience and prosperity of Israeli agriculture.
Proposal: Practical Approach to Sustainable Agricultural Development Course
The proposed initiative aims to create a pioneering educational platform that combines local expertise in Israeli agriculture with a global outlook on agricultural development. This program will offer students an immersive experience, integrating practical training in Israeli farms with an intensive two-week course in Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia or Morocco, focusing on global agricultural practices and sustainable development.
Objectives:
Experiential Learning: Engage students in diverse agricultural settings to apply theoretical concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable agricultural practices.
Global Perspectives: Offer insights into global agricultural challenges across diverse contexts, preparing students to address sustainability concerns worldwide.
Skill Enhancement: Develop practical skills essential for sustainable agricultural development, encompassing crop management, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
Program Structure:
Israeli Agriculture Modules: Develop a curriculum focused on practical training on Israeli farms to supplement the theoretical studies at the university. The curriculum will provide workshops on innovative agricultural practices relevant to global sustainability.
Two-Week Course in Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia or Morocco: A specialized course focusing on global agricultural development, sustainability, and cross-cultural exchange, integrating field visits and engagement with farmers, agricultural organizations and various stakeholders.
Global Agriculture Focus: Infuse modules with a global perspective, addressing challenges faced by agriculture on a broader scale, including food security, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements.
Credit Allocation: The Hebrew university will provide 2 academic credits for participation in the program.
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Expected Outcomes:
Comprehensive Understanding: Students gain a holistic understanding of sustainable agricultural practices across international contexts.
Practical Skills: Develop hands-on experience and practical skills necessary for implementing sustainable agricultural initiatives globally.
Global Awareness: Enhance global perspective and cultural understanding through exposure to diverse agricultural contexts and international collaboration.
Estimated budget requirements for 20 students:
Covered by student: ~1,550 per students, total 31,000 USD
Travel: Air ticket covered by students: est. $1,500 per student Insurance and inoculations: $50 per student
Covered by program: 75,000 USD
local transport: $15,000 (5 cars + fuel and driver at $200 a day, 14 days) accommodations: $15,000 ($50 per night per student, 13 nights, 20 students) Field visits in Israel: $5,000
Meals: $15,000
Project Coordinator: $20,000
Project management: $5,000
The Global Agricultural Development Initiative offers students a unique educational experience, combining local Israeli expertise with a broader global perspective. By integrating practical training, international exposure, and academic recognition, this program aims to produce skilled professionals ready to contribute to global agricultural advancement and sustainability.