University–Industry Linkages in Agriculture: The Case of Palestine

Abstract

The usual crisis mode of economic operations in Palestine intersects with the adverse consequences of COVID-19 and necessitates an innovative response to survive. This research builds on potential synergies between industry and university to expand the Palestinian agriculture sector resilience. We report on an explorative study that sought to understand the reality of the university–industry linkages (UILs) by considering information and experience gathered from 29 interviews in January 2020 and April 2021. Interviewees represent five key actor groups: farmers and agribusinesses, private institutions, universities, the Ministry of Agriculture, and NGOs. Content analysis revealed a nascent collaboration scope and uncovered the lack of a confident attitude among farmers towards agriculture research efforts, the poor communication performance, and misalignment of purpose. University actors need to encompass the UILs in their mission and touch farmers’ needs by providing novelty evidence research. Yet, farmers and agribusinesses may take the initiative to communicate their problems and search for renovation. We developed a framework of underpinnings to enhance collaboration and a healthier agriculture sector. We suggest activating the cooperatives and diversifying farmers’ income as deemed more resilient to face the pandemic.

The role and involvement of NGOs in activities related to humanitarian issues in Palestine

“…Therefore, based on the difficulties of life and the active involvement of NGOs in calming the lives of the Palestinian people, this review wants to examine for sure what forms of involvement and assistance of Malaysian humanist NGOs in the issue of Palestinian humanization. Indirectly, this wealth can encourage NGOs to raise tangible forms of humanitarian aid concerning Palestine (Sultan et al, 2022).…”