Rooftop Gardens Program in West Bank Refugee Camps (UNRWA)
Dheisheh / Bethlehem, Palestine · Operator: UNRWA with local partner Karama, and resident initiatives (e.g. Ihab)
Overview
With little access to farmland and about 40% of West Bank refugees food-insecure, this program uses shelter rooftops so families can grow vegetables. It began with roughly 11 families in Dheisheh camp and is envisioned to expand to other West Bank camps to reduce aid dependence and build self-reliance.
Citizen participation
In overcrowded refugee camps, greenhouses and planters are installed on the rooftops of shelters so refugee families can grow vegetables. UNRWA and the local organisation Karama provide seedlings, tools and training, while residents do the growing. A resident-initiated greening project hopes to be mainstreamed across other camps.
Operating model
An aid program by an international agency (UNRWA) and local NGOs. Materials and training are provided free; produce feeds households with potential surplus sales. The aim is to reduce dependence on aid and improve food security.
Impact
Brings fresh vegetables and greenery to families in overcrowded camps, helping reduce food insecurity and aid dependence. As a resident-led greening model it is poised to spread to other camps.
Land tenure
Residents use the rooftops of their own refugee shelters (UNRWA housing); materials are provided through the aid program.
Crops
- vegetables
- herbs
Scale
Started with about 11 families in Dheisheh camp; greenhouses and planters installed on shelter rooftops, with the aim of mainstreaming across West Bank camps
Sources（2）
This entry is compiled from the public sources, official sites and research below.
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