CAN Palestine Strategy development Consultancy

Background & Introduction:

The Palestinian Farmers Union (PFU) in partnership with Associacio Catalana per la Pau (ACP) is implementing a project entitled “Promoting agricultural innovation with universities to Palestinian women's cooperatives”, which is a joint project with Fundacio Solidaritat UB and is funded by the Spanish cooperation Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional al Desarrollo (AECID). This project aims to guarantee the economic rights and strategic interests of Palestinian peasant women by promoting the international alliance between universities and cooperatives in search of agro-ecological innovation, water resources management and the fight against climate change in Palestine.                                         

 CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

As everywhere on earth, climate change is expected to have a serious and negative impact on Palestine. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that the southern and eastern Mediterranean region will become warmer and drier due to the impact of man-made climate change. Alarmingly, projections forecast higher warming than the global annual average of 2.2-5.1ºC, and a substantial decrease in annual rainfall, dropping by 20% by 2050. Extreme weather conditions are also likely to accompany these changes, with an increase in the number of annual days with temperatures over 30 ºC. The combination of decreased rainfall and rising temperatures will result in a higher demand for water, which is already an overexploited resource, that will be in increasingly short supply and could lead to water insecurity (Al Shabaka, Zena Agha, March 2019). Agriculture, which is the foundation of Palestine’s economy, will also suffer as a result. These expected changes will create increasingly challenging agricultural conditions, which will seriously impact productive capacity unless immediate measures are taken to mitigate them. The agricultural sector is likely to face increasing challenges as a result of climate change, including persistent droughts and increased desertification, higher demand for crop water, shortage of grazing land, decline in pasture production, and higher food prices. Increasing water scarcity is the most serious threat to Palestinian agriculture posed by climate change. Developing a strategy for the Climate Action Network in Palestine is crucial as Palestine, like many other regions globally, is affected by climate change, which poses significant threats to its environment, economy, and community well-being. A strategic approach allows for targeted actions to address climate-related challenges such as extreme weather events, water scarcity, and agricultural impacts.

So, a well-defined strategy can help integrate climate action into broader sustainable development goals, ensuring that economic, social, and environmental objectives are aligned. This integration can foster resilience and adaptability in Palestinian communities. A strategy that can facilitate training, capacity-building, and awareness-raising activities within communities. This is essential to empower local stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and communities, to implement effective climate action measures.

Developing a strategy encourages collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, community groups, and international partners. It can create a cohesive approach to tackling climate change challenges and enhance solidarity in advocating for climate justice.

It’s important to highlight that a well-formulated strategy provides a framework for advocating for climate-sensitive policies and regulations at local, national, and international levels. It can help inform policymakers about climate-related issues and the necessary actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

A climate action strategy can focus on ensuring that marginalized groups, including women, youth, and those most affected by climate change, are included in decision-making processes and benefit from climate action initiatives. This promotes equity and social justice in addressing climate vulnerabilities.

By developing a localized strategy, Palestine can align itself with global climate initiatives (like the Paris Agreement) while tailoring actions to its specific context and challenges. This local adaptation is key to effective climate action.

PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY/ASSIGNMENT

The consultant will be responsible for developing Climate Action Network strategy. This consultancy seeks to to create a structured and coherent framework that addresses the unique challenges posed by climate change while promoting sustainable development. This strategy aims to engage various stakeholders, enhance collaboration, and implement effective measures that will mitigate the impacts of climate change on Palestinian communities, ecosystems, and economies.

CONSULTANCY OBJECTIVES

• Develop and implement strategies that increase the adaptive capacity of communities, particularly vulnerable groups, to climate-related impacts such as droughts, floods, and changing agricultural conditions.
• Encourage the sustainable management of natural resources, including water, land, and biodiversity, to ensure their availability for future generations and to mitigate the effects of climate change.
• To identify and analyze the expected impact of climate change on Palestine, particularly the agricultural sector.
• To analyze the role of local practices, technologies, and policy frameworks in promoting climate actions.
• identify and build a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, academic institutions, and private sector actors, to collectively address climate change and share knowledge and resources.
• Develop and implement a strategy that increase the adaptive capacity of communities, particularly vulnerable groups, to climate-related impacts such as droughts, floods, and changing agricultural conditions.
• The strateggy will be used to advocate for and support the development of robust climate policies at local, national, and international levels that align with Palestine's needs and commitments under international climate frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement.
• Establish a framework for monitoring and evaluating climate action initiatives to assess their effectiveness, impact, and sustainability, enabling continuous improvement and adaptation of strategies.
• Ensure that climate action initiatives consider equity and social justice, particularly the rights and voices of marginalized communities, including women, youth, and economically disadvantaged groups.
• Enhance collaboration with regional and international climate networks, initiatives, and organizations to share knowledge, resources, and experiences and to advocate for Palestine’s climate priorities on the global stage.

PLAN AUDIENCE AND USE OF FINDINGS

The planned audience for developing the Climate Action Network strategy in Palestine includes a diverse range of stakeholders who play crucial roles in addressing climate change and its impacts. Key target audiences may include: Government Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, Community-Based Organizations, Private Sector, Academia and Research Institutions, Women’s Groups and Youth Organizations Local Communities as well as Individuals and groups actively campaigning for climate justice and sustainability in Palestine, who can provide grassroots insight and mobilize community support.

CONSULTANCY QUESTIONS

• What are the current and expected impacts of climate change on Palestine?
• What are the current climate change interventions being utilized in Palestine?
• How do stockholders raise public awareness regarding Climate actions ?
• To what extent do climate interventions contribute to mitigating the effects of water scarcity on agricultural productivity, food security, and livelihoods?
• What are the socio-economic implications of climate change on Farmers?
• How do local cultural factors, such as community engagement, traditional knowledge, and gender dynamics, influence the success and adoption of climate agricultural interventions aimed at enhancing climate changes?
• What are the environmental consequences of climate interventions on agriculture ?
• What challenges and barriers do farmers encounter when implementing climate-smart practices, and how can these challenges be addressed to facilitate wider adoption?
• How can successful climate interventions be scaled up to benefit larger farming communities, and what are the key strategies and partnerships required for this scaling-up process?
• What can be learned from similar case studies or best practices in other regions that have successfully integrated climate friendly practices to improve water access and agricultural productivity?
• What recommendations can be made to governmental bodies, agricultural extension agencies, and development organizations to encourage the widespread adoption of climate agricultural practices that enhance the productivity and sustainability?

METHODOLOGY AND ACTION

The following methodology will be applied in carrying out the consultancy as outlined:

• A desk review of existing literature on the expected impact of climate change on Palestine and current interventions to address the climate change crisis. He/she should also review past and current work/projects in relevant areas and highlight strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.  
• Data collection which will include meetings and interviews relevant governmental bodies and organizations, organizations working in climate change adaptation, and agricultural experts to gather information about the reality on the ground (primary information).
• Analyze quantitative data on water use efficiency, crop yields, socio-economic indicators, and resources availability
• Assess climate-smart agricultural practices, including drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigational methods, and their impact on water access and availability
• Evaluate socio-economic implications, including income improvements, livelihood diversification, and resilience enhancement for farming communities.
• Identify policy frameworks, incentives, and governance structures that support the adoption of climate-smart agricultural interventions and sustainable water management.
• Explore challenges and barriers faced by farmers in implementing climate-smart practices, and potential solutions to overcome these challenges.
• Summarize relevant findings based on desk review, research, interviews and field work.
• Develop case study / factsheet highlighting all key information related to impact of Climate smart agricultural interventions on access to water in Palestine.

DELIVERABLES

CAN Palestine Strategy, including narrative, with referenced statistics presented in tables, charts, photos and graphs. The following structure is proposed:

• Comprehensive background of current situation detailing the current and future impact of climate change in Palestine.
• Information gathered from desk review, research, and interviews is highlighted in a clear and concise manner, with all appropriate headings.
• Economic, social, and political impacts of the topic are mentioned.
• Comprehensive analysis outlining the effectiveness and positive and negative impact of climate-smart agricultural interventions on access to water in Palestine
• Example showcasing successful interventions, their outcomes, and lessons learned
• Quantitative information should be neatly presented in tables, charts, or graphs.
• Conclusion with recommendations for policy makers, agricultural NGOs, and development organizations to promote and scale up effective climate-smart practices that enhance access to water.

The FINAL Strategy MUST be submitted in both Arabic and English language.

 Please submit the proposal (separate technical & financial offer) and requested documents by sealed envelopes to the Palestinian Farmers Union Headquarter (al-Bireh, close to the representative office of Netherlands) no later than 30th of October 2024.

please find attached TOR for the training 

For any questions, feel free to contact us. 

Yasmine Nazzal

[email protected]