People living in Gaza face profound challenges in maintaining their livelihoods. The impacts of conflict have been devastating for local economic development and unemployment levels in Gaza are the highest in the world. Since 2011, Oxfam and its partners have been implementing economic development programmes intended to support and strengthen small- and medium-sized businesses, with a particular focus on women. This case study presents Oxfam’s experiences of using shorter value chain approaches to support the development of women’s food processing businesses in Gaza. It provides key lessons learned and recommendations arising from the programme.

This learning case study is part of a series of eight papers relating to Oxfam's economic justice programme in the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe, with a focus on collective action.