Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine

The Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine at Al-Azhar University - Gaza was established in 1992, becoming a cornerstone of scientific education and research in the Gaza Strip. Since its inception, the Faculty has trained generations of agricultural engineers, food technologists, veterinarians, and researchers who have played key roles in supporting Palestinian agriculture and food systems, locally and internationally.

The Faculty comprises four main programs: Plant Production and Protection, Animal Production and Poultry, Food Technology, and Veterinary Medicine, offering Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. The Veterinary Medicine program was introduced in the 2019/2020 academic year to expand the Faculty's specialization and provide advanced training in animal health and veterinary sciences.

Throughout its history, the Faculty's facilities have been targeted and destroyed multiple times during past conflicts. Despite these challenges, the Faculty has rebuilt and restored its facilities, demonstrating a remarkable model of resilience, perseverance, and commitment to education and research under extremely challenging conditions.

During the ongoing genocide and systematic attacks on Gaza, the Faculty's buildings, research stations, training facilities, laboratories, and libraries were completely destroyed. Despite these devastating losses, the Faculty has resumed online education and continues to produce applied research that documents the impact of the crisis on Gaza's food and agricultural systems. The Faculty also explores approaches for rebuilding, rehabilitation, and resilience in the sector.

The First International Scientific Conference on Rehabilitation of Agriculture and Food Systems is part of these initiatives, providing a scientific platform to disseminate knowledge that supports crisis documentation and facilitates discussion of efficient strategies for reconstructing a resilient food system in Gaza.

Through teaching, research, and community engagement, the Faculty remains committed to strengthening Gaza's agricultural sector, supporting local farmers, and fostering sustainable practices, reflecting a model of resilience and dedication to maintaining education, knowledge production, and food security under extreme conditions.