​Addressing gender equality and the empowerment of women, as well as increasing attention to economic and social development strategies within rural areas, are globally recognized as critical aspects of sustainable development. Rural women play a critical role in rural economies and societies in both developing and developed countries. Across the world, rural women have proven their commitment and resourcefulness in finding or adapting new ways to improve their own lives, as well as those of their families and communities.

The agricultural sector and food production have been among the main pillars of the Israeli economy since Israel's declaration of independence, with the investment of massive funds for continuous research and development. However, over the last few years, the number of active farmers in Israel has been drastically reduced.

There is a continuous exit of small farmers from business, due to the limitation of land and water and an ever increasing trend away from farming to other professions. Today's farmers need to adapt to this process by making the required transition from being simple producers to becoming managers of an agricultural enterprise, armed with the latest technologies and know-how, as well as an understanding of the market.

Agricultural diversification, coupled with intensive Research and Development and effective up-to-date extension services for rural farms, will prevent the transformation of additional farming lands for non-agricultural use and keep farmers and rural professions in business. As technology and intensive agricultural methods change the conditions of agricultural production, farmers need to explore other alternatives in order to remain in the rural areas. Taking into account current trends, Israel is ready to share its rich experience in agribusiness for the enhancement of rural development.

The training program aims at contributing to rural women’s empowerment by exploring agricultural entrepreneurship and other farm related components of the rural economy contributing to food security, income generation and employment. In addition, the course aims to create a framework for discussion and analysis to evaluate possible adaptation of new strategies and technologies to the conditions of each participating country Participants will be exposed to the various aspects of planning, implementation and management of small businesses in agro-industries, so that by the end of the course they will be able to:

 -Use the tools of value chain analysis to elaborate growth strategies

 -Improve production and productivity on farm level

 -Initiate, organize, and manage small scale agribusiness projects

- Provide tools for supporting entrepreneurship in rural areas

The training program is jointly organized by MASHAV's professional Training Centers MCTC and MATC and will include professional lectures and visits on following subjects:

At MCTC – The Golda Meir MASHAV Carmel International Training Center:

 -Entrepreneurial Training: How to start and manage a microenterprise

 -Marketing strategies for small businesses in the rural areas

 -Women in business and the principles of gender mainstreaming

 -Organizational Transformation and Leadership

 -Support systems and best practices in promoting innovative entrepreneurship

At MATC – MASHAV’s International Agricultural Training Center:

 -Sustainable agricultural and rural development: Policies and strategies

 -Intensive agricultural production and applied technologies

 -Handling and marketing of fresh produce

 -Planning and implementation of agricultural projects

- Research and Development

The course is geared towards policymakers and professionals of the public and private sector, involved in the implementation of agricultural and rural development projects. Candidates should hold an academic degree in related disciplines and have at least three years of professional work experience in related fields.

A full command of English is required.

Application forms and further information may be obtained at the nearest Israeli mission or at MASHAV’s website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx.

Completed application forms together with the Health declaration and recommendation letters should be sent to the Israeli mission in the respective country with copy to nuria@mctc.org.il by the 28/12/2017

Arrival and Departure

Arrival date: 04/3/2018

Opening date: 05/3/2018

Closing date: 21/3/2018

Departure date: 22/3/2018

Participants must arrive at the Dan Panorama Hotel, in Haifa on the 4th of March and leave the Kibbutz accommodation, in Shefayim on the 22nd of March by 11:00 am. Early arrivals/late departures if required, must be arranged by the participants themselves, directly with the hotel/center, and must be paid for by the participant him/herself.

From 4th - 12th of March, 2018 participants will be hosted by The Golda Meir MASHAV Carmel International Training Center (MCTC) at the Haifa Dan Panorama Hotel, HaNassi Blvd 107, Haifa.

From 12th - 22nd of March, 2018 participants will be hosted by MASHAV’s International Agriculture Training Center (MATC) in Kibbutz Shefayim. Participants will be accommodated in double rooms (two participants per room).

MASHAV awards a limited number of scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in double rooms (two participants per room), health insurance (see below) and transfers from and to the airport. Airfares and daily allowance are not included in the scholarship.

Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in case of emergency. It does not cover the treatment of chronic or serious diseases, specific medications taken by the participant on a regular basis, dental care and eyeglasses. Health authorities recommend that visitors to Israel make sure they have been inoculated against tetanus in the last ten years. Medical insurance is subject to the full binding policy conditions. Participants are responsible for all other expenses.