Overview             

USAID started working in the Palestinian almond sector in 2012, helping more than 160 almond farmers produce and sell more almonds. In 2014, exports from USAID-supported farms were valued at $1.2 million, a 34 percent increase from two years ago.

USAID Publications

USAID leverages private sector partnerships to advance economic development, reduce unemployment, and improve access to domestic and regional markets. USAID supports Palestinian businesses by increasing their access to capital; enhancing their competitiveness; improving the movement of people and cargo between Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza; and reducing regulatory constraints. Over the past five years, USAID has leveraged $86 million in private sector investments to scale up and improve the quality of business services and production and fostered Palestinian partnerships with over a dozen U.S. companies.

USAID investments in the water sector increase access to reliable water supplies; reduce water loss; improve access to sanitation systems and services; introduce pilot models for treated wastewater for agriculture irrigation; and facilitate the sustainable use of limited resources. USAID aims to improve access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for households, social services, and businesses. Since 2000, USAID investments have improved access to clean water for more than 1.4 million Palestinians; installed 1,360 kilometers of water pipelines; built or renovated 53 water reservoirs; drilled or renovated 33 wells; and connected 140,000 Palestinians to running water for the first time. USAID partners with UNICEF to restore and improve water access for 250,000 people living in Gaza.

USAID aims to improve access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for households, social services, and businesses. Activities include demonstrating the feasibility of alternative renewable energy applications and improving the legal regulatory and policy framework to support growth in the energy sector.