The Israeli occupation has restricted access to fertile land and important water sources for Palestinians in the West Bank. The occupation and associated policies have: damaged agricultural production capacity, severely undermined Palestinian development, and contributed to poverty and unemployment. Investment in the sector remains of great importance, even within this context of occupation. Not only is the agricultural production in the West Bank a major contributor to the protection of land from confiscation and settlement, it is an important source of income that accounts for nearly one quarter of Palestinian exports.

Recognizing this, Oxfam and its partners have implemented the ‘From Grove to Market’ programme, which worked with Palestinian olive growers to help them improve their produce and market their olive oil. By supporting the development of farmer organizations, market linkages and strengthening relevant local policy, Oxfam hopes that olive oil can provide a route out of poverty for marginalized Palestinian farmers. This case study focuses on what Oxfam has learned through the implementation of the programme.