56 / 130
[
] 56
A B
et ter
W
or ld
scarcity of natural resources, particularly water and arable
land, are shared by MASHAV for the benefit of peoples all
over the developing world with the goal of inspiring fellow
nations in their struggle with development challenges. To
date, close to 300,000 trainees worldwide, have benefited
from MASHAV training in a wide variety of development
topics, many of which are related to water and food security.
Israel and Kenya: joining hands to fight water scarcity
The present drought striking Kenya, which is affecting large
parts of the country and was recently declared a national
disaster, has had a major impact on water resources, includ-
ing on river flow levels and the availability of water for
human and livestock consumption. Most water points in
the worst affected areas are in near-dry status, while water
supply for irrigated crop production has been reduced as the
drought extended over key river basins.
As part of the efforts in dealing with this severe situation
affecting millions of people, Israel and Kenya’s heads of state
signed, in 2016, the Jerusalem Declaration for cooperation in
the areas of water and irrigation. Noting that water scarcity
poses a challenge to both countries, the declaration acknowl-
edged that Kenya could benefit from Israel’s expertise in
water resources management, as well as Israeli water and
irrigation technologies and proven solutions.
Within this context, in March 2017, both countries
announced the official establishment of KIDRAC, The Kenya-
Israel Drought Resilient Agriculture Training Center, a joint
cooperation venture between MASHAV and Kenya’s Ministry
of Water and Irrigation.
The Center will be set up at Mwea Irrigation Agricultural
Center under Kenya’s National Irrigation Board, and will
serve as a hub for capacity-building activities and the trans-
fer of know-how addressing all of the issues connected to
efficient water management. The overall goal is to train a
cadre of professionals from Kenya and the entire east African
region to enhance drought resilience and improve sustainable
livelihoods of the communities in arid and semi-arid lands.
In its report on “The State of the World’s Land and Water
Resources for Food and Agriculture,” the FAO states that “the
challenge of providing sufficient food for an ever-hungrier
planet has never been greater, especially in developing
countries, where quality land, soil nutrients and water are
least abundant.” The report recommends “a combination of
improved irrigation schemes management, investment in
local knowledge and modern technology, knowledge devel-
opment and training.”
This is both our vision and our commitment: To share with
others our knowledge and experience and contribute to the
prosperity and well-being of all populations facing severe
challenges, enhancing the importance of placing people at
the heart of development with the hope that, in the words of
the Prophet Isaiah, “...the scorched land will become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water.”
The demonstration plot at MASHAV’s Agricultural Training Center in Israel, created for the benefit of participants from all over the world
Image: MASHAV