The global cooperative movement celebrates this year’s International Day of Cooperatives under a theme that embodies the essence of human survival: “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World.” In Palestine, where society faces a complex colonial reality that imposes severe restrictions on land, resources, and mobility, the concept of peace transcends the absence of conflict—it becomes synonymous with economic resilience, food sovereignty, and social and environmental justice.
Based on a comprehensive survey conducted by the Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem (ARIJ) with funding from We Effect Sweden, covering 32 cooperatives in the West Bank, it is evident that sustainable peace begins with empowering local communities, promoting the inclusion of women and youth, and adopting green practices that protect the land and the future.
The findings show that Palestinian cooperatives possess promising institutional structures: 91% of cooperatives apply strong or very strong governance practices, while 29 cooperatives (around 90%) have permanent premises and hold regular general assembly meetings—reflecting democratic structures that foster participation, transparency, and accountability. Moreover, 53% of cooperatives provide equal opportunities for women to access resources and participate in activities, while youth participation in leadership and decision-making remains limited, calling for policies that open clear leadership pathways. On the environmental front, only 3 cooperatives (9%) currently implement waste management and recycling initiatives, while others expressed commitment to future plans for transitioning toward a green economy—an approach that enhances agricultural sustainability and reduces operational costs.
However, cooperatives face serious challenges that threaten their resilience and sustainability. Geopolitical restrictions imposed by the occupation limit access to fertile lands and water sources and increase production costs. The study also reveals a significant marketing gap: only 3 cooperatives (9%) have formal contracts with buyers, leaving most sales dependent on limited and unstable local markets. In addition, 17 cooperatives (53%) operate at break-even point without profit margins, highlighting the urgent need to facilitate access to financing and credit. Women and youth remain constrained by barriers related to insufficient training and low economic returns, limiting their active engagement in cooperative leadership.
In line with the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” ARIJ emphasizes that true peace begins with the land—where the resilience of Palestinian farmers in securing their daily sustenance forms the first line of defense for civil peace and community stability. Inclusive justice is a prerequisite for development; it cannot be achieved without removing the barriers that prevent women and youth from leading the next phase. Climate resilience has also become a cornerstone of steadfastness, as integrating climate-smart practices and circular economy principles is no longer optional but a practical necessity to confront climate change and reduce operational costs.
To turn this vision into practical steps, there is an urgent need to develop a resilience plan that includes the following recommendations to strengthen the resilience of cooperatives in Palestine:
- Improve Product Quality: Raise standards and ensure consistency so cooperative products can compete locally and in export markets.
- Close Marketing Gaps: Develop a visual identity and brand, and organize networking events with the private sector.
- Empower Women and Youth: Provide leadership pathways and practical training in digital skills and marketing.
- Institutionalize Governance: Update internal regulations and unify financial models to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Promote Circular Economy: Support small green projects for recycling and renewable energy use.
- Risk Management Plans: Draft written plans to ensure business continuity in the face of crises and restrictions.
The Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem (ARIJ) reaffirms its commitment to working with national and international partners to support and advance the Palestinian cooperative sector—believing that investment in cooperatives is an investment in resilience, equitable development, civil peace, and national sovereignty.
