Agriculture extension services for rural farmers

Background: To strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector, promote opportunities and build a network of Palestinian farmers, the Palestinian Government through its Ministry of Agriculture, with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), sought to establish a Palestinian Agricultural Advisory System (PAAS). Agronomists and big farm owners were facing challenges which required sustainable support. There was the need to gather accurate data for evidence-based development programs which would result in a data-driven planning and policy department at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Solution: Bewsys designed and developed a web and mobile app to enable farmers to connect with other farmers and agronomists willing to share advice, solve problems, and share information for free. In collaboration with Palestinian MOA, the PAAS system was piloted to ensure usability and feasibility before full scale-up and handover to the programmatic team.

‍Impact: The PAAS system has helped build networks among Palestinian farmers which has built comradery, solidarity, and resilience in the agricultural sector. Farmers can also benefit from the government's initiatives to promote climate action, decent work, preserve land, and encourage responsible consumption and production.