BETHLEHEM / PNN /
The Palestine News Network (PNN) has launched a new programme aimed at strengthening independent journalism and public accountability, as part of efforts to develop professional media content that amplifies community voices and addresses social and economic challenges across the Palestinian territories.
The programme, titled “Al-Makshouf” (“Exposed”), focuses on local Palestinian stories from across the West Bank and Gaza, combining field reports with in-depth discussions. Presented by journalist Sara Rizq, the show seeks to shed light on underreported issues while reinforcing the role of independent media in promoting transparency and civic engagement.
In its first episode, the programme examined the state of Palestinian agriculture, highlighting challenges faced by farmers alongside stories of resilience, preservation of agricultural heritage and innovation in local production.
A field report featured farmer Tareq Al-Shaer from the town of Arraba, south of Jenin, who faces the risk of losing his vineyard of around 750 grape trees after receiving a demolition order giving him 48 hours to remove it. The report showed him rushing to harvest his crops with the help of family and friends to minimise losses.
During the episode, Rizq interviewed Hussein Sobh, director of agricultural extension at the Bethlehem Directorate of Agriculture, who said Palestinian farmers face multiple pressures, including land restrictions, settler-related attacks, rising production costs and marketing difficulties.
Sobh outlined the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2025–2027 strategy, which focuses on food and water security, environmental sustainability and emergency support to strengthen farmers’ resilience, particularly in vulnerable areas. He said interventions include distributing seedlings, providing water tanks, supporting irrigation networks and implementing projects aimed at protecting agricultural land and sustaining production.
He stressed that the loss of farmland goes beyond economic damage, affecting food security and long-term agricultural continuity, adding that protecting land and enabling farmers to remain on it is a central part of the response to ongoing challenges.
The episode also addressed rising input costs and highlighted initiatives to support staple crop production, particularly wheat and barley, alongside grant programmes targeting young people aged 18 to 29 to encourage agricultural engagement.
Water scarcity remains a major concern, Sobh said, citing limited resources and restrictions on drilling new wells. He pointed to water harvesting, rehabilitation of cisterns and storage solutions as key tools to maximise available supplies.
The programme further explored traditional irrigation practices in the village of Battir, west of Bethlehem, where farmers continue to rely on spring المياه systems as part of preserving cultural and environmental heritage.
In a segment on innovation, the episode featured agricultural engineer Amani Abu Naim, who has developed a local blueberry cultivation project despite technical challenges, and is planning to expand production in the coming season.
For PNN the programme reflects the importance of independent media in providing a platform for public scrutiny and open discussion, particularly through formats that encourage transparency and present diverse perspectives on issues affecting daily life.
The episode was produced with financial support from CFI, Expertise France and the European Union. The content remains the sole responsibility of PNN and does not necessarily reflect the views of the supporting organisations.
PNN launches “Al-Makshouf” programme highlighting independent media and public accountability in Palestinian society
Aggregated summary from an independent source. Read the original at PNN.