The date palm sector is very important from the economic point of view. There are approximately 90,000 trees distributed over 6,000 dunum in the Gaza strip. It produces about 6000 tons of dates per year. In September 2011, the Red Palm Weevil has been discovered in Gaza. This Red Palm Weevil has befallen the Palm trees younger than 20 years old. It?s very difficult to diagnose the affected palm trees in the early stages of the befall.
The idea underlying this project is twofold: Firstly, an emergency action will target at getting rid of the pest. Secondly, a strategy will be developed to protect the healthy palm trees and determine the number of affected palm trees. Finally, a database will be developed to better monitor this sector.
The main activities of this project are:
Data collection and analysis of the palm farms in the targeted areas identify palms that need urgent treatment, select the beneficiaries, implementation of trainings for palm workers, farmers, specialists and engineers and provide treatment services for infected tress (cutting-injections and steaming). In addition to these activities, 100 hours of practical and theoretical training will be delivered to thus develop capacities for 150 palm farmers, 150 engineers and 90 technical specialists to better counter the effects of the Red Palm Weevil disease through diagnoses and pest fighting methods. 500 copies of a handbook will be published. Television and radio programmes on the dangers of this pest and the risks to which plants are exposed after befall will be produced.