With 27 percent arable land and no permanent crops, the West Bank and Gaza suffer from periodic food insecurity. Using proceeds derived from the monetization of commodity donated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ACDI/VOCA funds drought relief and agricultural training activities for Palestinian farmers and pastoralists.

This case study is part of the Microfinance, Youth and Conflict research initiative. The West Bank was chosen as a case study location because it offers a unique context in which to examine the impact of conflict on employment for youth, the supply and demand for finance, and the roles of microfinance institutions (MFIs), youth-serving organizations (YSOs), families, and other entities in meeting the demand. Two research teams conducted individual interviews and focus groups with MFI managers and loan officers, YSO staff, youth and adult clients of MFIs, and concerned adults and youth.