6.3

6.3

Combine Harvester Adapted for Local Needs in the Gaza Strip

SEADS Handbook Location: Chapter 6 (book p. 76, PDF p. 83)

Wheat flour is an essential part of the daily diet of people living in the Gaza Strip, and anything that can be done to help improve production and harvesting contributes to improved food security.

The area of cultivated, rainfed wheat in Gaza Strip is around 2,200 hectares (ha) and is mainly found in the eastern border area. Since these fields are situated on the border, there are periodic episodes of conflict. This makes it important that the wheat is harvested within the shortest time period possible.

The ICRC supported the importation of a combine harvester that was adapted in a local workshop to harvest wheat and also collect and bag wheat straw. The combined harvester and wheat bag supports farmers to harvest and clear their wheat fields more efficiently and reduces the time taken to harvest a hectare of wheat from days to just hours. In addition, the overall cost of production decreased from US$920/ha to US$200/ha.

The combine harvester and wheat straw collection adaptation reduces the time and costs associated with harvesting and also reduces risks by helping farmers spend less time in their fields.