The agricultural sector and food production have been the main pillars of the Israeli economy since its independence.  However, over the years, the number of active farmers has fallen considerably, due to continued decline in prices, sustained development of the country and increasing sophistication of markets.  As a result, farmers turn to the business world to enhance their business.  Their productions are managed by know-how, knowledge of the market but also by means of the latest technologies.  Their approach requires a combination of entrepreneurial spirit and the integration of gender considerations into agricultural planning.  This change is essential for the better development of the rural sector, the optimization of agricultural production, and the empowerment of women through income generation.

 Women in rural areas play a key role in the economies of developing countries and agriculture is the main pillar of the rural economy.  Throughout the world, women in rural areas have demonstrated their commitment and ingenuity by inventing or adopting new ways to improve their own lives, as well as those of their families and communities.

 The Israeli example shows that farmers' private initiatives, through the introduction of new crops and small agricultural enterprises with new technologies, are increasingly important in order to improve their incomes.

 This course focuses on the practical aspects of agricultural entrepreneurship by highlighting the gender approach to sustainable and equitable development. 

 Objectives 

 At the end of this training, the participants will be able to:

 · Be able to estimate the economic parameters of agricultural enterprises.

 · Create a business plan to assess the risks and opportunities of an agricultural business.

 · Establish the financial needs of their business plan.

 · Plan their farm calendar and payments.

 · Evaluate gender barriers and integrate agro-ecological considerations into the business plan. 

 Topics 

 • Production cycle management • Market research • Product, price and market strategy • Innovation and competitive advantage • Creation of a business plan • Investment and break-even point • Production economics • Planning Work and payment • Gender barriers • Organizations and cooperatives • Leadership • Agro-ecological considerations 

 Application 

 This course is intended for professional staff with a high-school diploma and active in agricultural development projects or working in a relevant post about entrepreneurship. 

 Application Forms 

 Forms and additional information can be obtained from the nearest Israeli mission or from the MASHAV website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx.

 Completed application forms, including the medical form, must be sent to the Israeli mission in the country in question. 

 General informations 

 Arrival and departure 

 Date of arrival: 6 November 2017

 Participants must arrive at the training center on the date of arrival and leave on the departure date (see above).  Premature arrivals and late departures if necessary, must be arranged and settled by the participants themselves, directly with the hotel / center. 

 Location & Accommodation 

 The internship will take place at the MATC - International Agricultural Training Center of MASHAV, located within Kibbutz Shefayim.  Participants will be accommodated at the Kibbutz Shefayim Hotel in double rooms (two participants per room).

 MASHAV grants a limited number of scholarships.  The scholarships cover the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in a double room (two participants per room), health insurance (see below) and transfer To and from the airport.  Airfare and daily allowances are not included in the fellowship. 

 Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in the event of an emergency.  It does not cover the treatment of chronic or severe illnesses, specific medications administered regularly to the patient, dental care and eyeglass lenses.  Health officials are recommending that Israelis be vaccinated against tetanus over the past decade.  Subject to all the conditions mentioned in the insurance contract.  Participants are responsible for any other expenses.