Raising rabbits for survival in Gaza
THE GAZA STRIP is a disputed territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea and the most densely populated place on earth: approximately 1,657,155 people in a total area of 365 square kilometers. Conflict, water scarcity, unemployment and environmental pollution from bombs further increase the difficulty of life here and survival, rather than flourishing, appears to be the goal of most of the inhabitants. The FRB/MCC program provides rabbits and training for food and income. An average income for an employed person in Gaza is around $274-$410 USD a month. Rabbits can be sold at 3-4 months of age and can bring in approximately $13-$16 per rabbit. With no place for the animals to burrow or shelter, an unusually cold winter killed many, and fear and stress from a November 2012 bombing killed or affected reproduction in many more of these sensitive animals. FRB staff recently visited the program and spoke with participants.