The idea for the “Prickly Pear Drink Production for Community Empowerment” project was conceived in April 2017 after observing the difficult circumstances faced by Palestinian farmers, particularly those in refugee camps and the West Bank. These farmers have a deep connection to their land and rely on it as their primary source of livelihood. Despite economic hardship and uncertainty, they remain resilient, motivated by a hope to sustain their heritage and provide for their families. This project aimed to transform the prickly pear cactus into a valuable product by producing a culturally significant drink. The Cooperative Women's Association played a major role in the project, encouraging women to draw juice and participate actively in the steps of the project and from the leveraging this product, the project sought to enhance farmers' and women incomes and introduce Palestinian culture to an international audience. Furthermore, the drink’s production was designed with a unique twist: the juice was refined in Germany, which helped to expand awareness of the Palestinian situation and promote a healthy beverage recognized for its nutritional benefits.

Palestinian farmer and women especially those in refugee camps and the West Bank, face numerous challenges. Their agricultural activities are essential for their survival, yet they struggle with limited access to markets, financial instability, and environmental concerns. The local market for prickly pears is small, and sales often do not yield enough income to sustain farmers’ and women livelihoods. In response to these challenges, the project aimed to empower farmers and women by producing a prickly pear drink and molasses. This approach provided a sustainable income, allowed farmers and women to preserve and promote a culturally significant crop. By focusing on an export-oriented product, the project gave women a new opportunity to participate in the global market especially through their critical role in processing the prickly pear into juice and molasses, providing them with new economic opportunities while holding on to their traditions.

To address the various economic and social challenges faced by these farmers and women in the West Bank, the project applied a complete set of solutions. First, it provided training in modern agricultural techniques, allowing farmers and women to improve their prickly pear cultivation practices. This training covered everything from soil preparation to harvesting, ensuring that the farmers could produce high-quality fruit. Farmers were trained in cultivating, caring for, and harvesting the prickly pear at the optimal time, ensuring the fruit was of the highest quality. They planted new cactus trees and learned sustainable agricultural practices to enhance their yield. Once the ripe prickly pears were harvested, the women's cooperatives played a key role. The women took the harvested fruit, processed it into juice, and cooked it to create molasses (locally known as dibs). This division of labor between farmers and women ensured the smooth production of the final product, with women becoming the basis of the transformation process. A local processing facility was established to refine the prickly pear juice, which was then exported to Germany for final processing to meet international standards. This partnership with Green Party of German ensured product quality and also provided access to a new, health-conscious market. Additionally, the project reinvested a portion of the income back into Palestinian community projects, supporting healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment initiatives. This approach helped create a sustainable cycle of reinvestment, promoting long-term community development.

The project involved a series of structured activities designed to expand the impact and ensure success across all phases:

1. Feasibility Study and Planning: The initial phase involved a detailed feasibility study to evaluate the potential of producing prickly pear drinks and molasses. This included identifying the best areas in the West Bank for sourcing the fruit, market research to understand consumer demand, cost analysis to determine the financial requirements, and resource planning to identify necessary equipment and materials. Strategic planning also focused on ensuring that the production and distribution processes aligned with both local practices and international standards. This phase focused on creating a sustainable model that allowed farmers to increase their yields while ensuring women’s active participation in processing the fruit.
2. Training and Capacity Building: A core component of the project was training local farmers and women on best practices for prickly pear cultivation and processing. Farmer Training and Cactus Cultivation: Male farmers were trained in sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on how to care for prickly pear cactus plants included planting new cacti, maintaining the fields, and harvesting ripe, high-quality fruit at the right time. This training empowered farmers to increase their yields and ensure a steady supply of fruit for the production process, enhancing their ability to contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
3. Women’s Cooperatives and Fruit Processing: After the harvest, the focus shifted to the women’s cooperatives, which played a crucial role in processing the fruit. The women were responsible for extracting juice from the prickly pears and transforming the juice into molasses through traditional cooking methods. The production process added value to the raw fruit and also created new economic opportunities for women in countryside and refugee communities. This inclusion of women was central to the project’s goal of promoting gender equality and enhancing the role of women in the local economy.
4. Production and Processing Facility equipment: A Cooperation with the Women's Association was done to provide them with modern machinery and equipment for the primary processing of prickly pears, transforming the fruit into juice. This allowed both men and women to contribute to different stages of the value chain, ensuring efficient use of local resources. The partnership with the Green Party of German allowed the final refinement and packaging stages to take place in Germany, ensuring compliance with international food safety and quality standards. This collaboration also helped the drink appeal to European consumers, who are increasingly interested in health-oriented products.
5. Marketing and Distribution Strategy: The project’s marketing strategy focused on both local and international audiences. Locally, awareness campaigns highlighted the health benefits of the drink and its cultural significance, creating community pride and building a customer base. Internationally, the marketing strategy promoted the drink as a unique, nutritious beverage with a story rooted in Palestinian resilience and cultural heritage. By securing distribution channels in Germany, the project reached health-conscious consumers who valued the drink’s exotic origin and beneficial properties.
6. Community Engagement and Reintegration of Profits: Community engagement was a key aspect of the project. By involving local investors and hosting awareness sessions, the project encouraged a sense of ownership and pride among community members. Additionally, profits from drink sales were reinvested into the community, supporting projects focused on healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment. This reinvestment strengthened the local economy and also created a positive cycle of development, promoting long-term sustainability.

The project delivered notable outcomes that went beyond initial expectations. Economically, it increased farmers and women' incomes by creating a new income stream, which helped improve their quality of life. For the farmers, the project provided a reliable income through the cultivation and sale of prickly pears, while the women in rural areas, refugee camps and the West Bank found new opportunities through their role in processing the fruit into juice and molasses. Culturally, it reinforced the importance of the prickly pear cactus within Palestinian society, preserving a symbol of resilience and tradition. On an international level, the project successfully entered the German market, where the drink was well-received for its health benefits and its connection to Palestinian heritage. The project also promoted healthier lifestyle choices, contributing to the global trend toward nutritious, natural beverages.

The social impact of the project was extensive. It created employment opportunities in Palestine, for farmers, women and also for individuals involved in processing and marketing. By involving women in critical stages of the production process, the project elevated their role in the local economy, promoting greater financial independence. The project encouraged local communities to reconnect with their cultural heritage, instilling a sense of pride and belonging. By involving younger generations in sustainable agriculture, the project also fostered environmental stewardship and an appreciation for nature among Palestinian youth. Furthermore, the project supported the preservation of cultural practices related to the prickly pear, ensuring that this knowledge would be passed down to future generations.

Economically, the project provided a valuable source of income for Palestinian farmers, women and helping them diversify their earnings and reduce reliance on traditional agricultural sales. By creating a high-value product with international appeal, the project introduced farmers and women to new markets, enhancing their economic security. The inclusion of women in the processing of the juice and molasses was particularly significant, as it offered them a direct economic benefit and helped bridge the gap between men’s and women’s economic contributions. Additionally, the reinvestment of profits into community projects contributed to local economic development, creating a wave effect that strengthened the broader economy and improved living standards for many.

The “Prickly Pear Drink Production for Community Empowerment” project showed the potential of sustainable development initiatives that are culturally sensitive and economically impactful. By providing farmers with the tools to cultivate and harvest prickly pears and giving women a leading role in processing and value addition, the project successfully empowered both genders economically, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting Palestinian resilience on an international stage, the project achieved a multifaceted success. This initiative has set a precedent for future projects, demonstrating that with innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, it is possible to empower local populations and foster sustainable growth, even in challenging circumstances.