EUC warmly welcomes Dr. Ahmed Abu Shaban as a visiting professor from July 2024 to June 2025. Dr. Shaban brings a wealth of knowledge and over 15 years of academic experience in environmental sociology, climate change, green circular economy, and the socioeconomics of rural development. An Associate Professor and Dean at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, Palestine, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution's academic and research agendas. EUC work-study student, Xinyu Mei, interviews him about his one-year visiting scholarship in the Faculty.
Q. Can you elaborate on your research projects in the context of the current developments in the Gaza Strip and designing intervention strategies for humanitarian, early recovery, and development programs in Palestine?
My most recent research project focuses on enhancing locally produced fresh food supply chains in Gaza, aiming to address challenges exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the territory. The study assesses the current state of the food supply chain, identifies barriers and vulnerabilities, and develops actionable recommendations for both immediate intervention and long-term recovery. Key findings indicate that the conflict has caused significant infrastructure damage and population displacement, exacerbating food insecurity and leading to acute shortages, especially in the northern Governorates of Palestine. Despite these challenges, local vegetable cultivation continues on a limited scale, with solar energy for irrigation offering cost advantages in the southern regions. Recommendations are structured into three phases: sustaining local food production and adopting solar power during the conflict, prioritizing infrastructure rehabilitation and market access in post-war recovery, and promoting long-term sustainability through diversification, capacity building, and policy advocacy for sustainable agricultural practices in Gaza.
Q. Can you provide an example where your academic research directly impacted a real-world project?
My academic research focused on understanding the determinants that influence Palestinian farmers' decisions to adopt safe farming practices, considering economic, social, cultural, institutional and market-related factors. It became clear that while farmers were aware of the risks associated with agrochemical use, the high cost of safe farming and the lack of market incentives were significant barriers to making the shift. Further research on the value of safe food labeling in Palestine revealed a market opportunity, particularly if the label was introduced by trusted organizations such as universities. This insight led to the design of a program that significantly enhanced economic engagement for vulnerable farming communities in Gaza by introducing and scaling up safe farming practices through a market-based approach. The program offers comprehensive training and extension services, implements a robust monitoring system to ensure adherence to safe practices, and provides a "Safe Farming" label that allows farmers to access price premiums. Over the past seven years, this initiative has successfully reached 300 farmers, who now benefit from improved livelihoods and environmental sustainability. The project exemplifies how market-driven solutions can empower communities, align economic benefits with sustainable practices, and foster long-term resilience.
Q. Could you elaborate on a specific project you designed that significantly enhanced economic engagement for vulnerable groups, particularly in the farming communities of Gaza?
One the projects that I have designed, which significantly enhanced economic engagement for vulnerable farming communities in Gaza, focused on introducing and scaling up safe farming practices through a market-based approach. This program was specifically aimed at conventional farming communities and has been running successfully for the past seven years. The core idea of the program was to create a market incentive for small-scale farmers by establishing a "Safe Farming" label. This label not only encourages farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices but also provides them with access to price premiums for their produce.
Over the last seven years, the program has successfully reached more than 500 farmers, 300 of them are now recognized as "Safe Farmers." By adopting environmentally friendly practices, these farmers have not only contributed to environmental sustainability but also enhanced their economic resilience. The market-based approach has proven effective in aligning economic benefits with sustainable practices, ensuring that farmers are incentivized to maintain their commitment to safe farming. This project has demonstrated that with the right support and incentives, vulnerable farming communities can achieve both environmental sustainability and economic growth. It stands as a testament to the potential of market-driven solutions in empowering communities and fostering long-term resilience.
Q. As a visiting professor at York University, what unique perspectives or methodologies do you plan to introduce in your planned teaching courses on Climate Change Policy, Climate Justice, and Issues in Business and Society?
As a visiting professor at York University, I plan to introduce perspectives and methodologies in my courses on Climate Change Policy, Climate Justice, and Issues in Business and Society. I aim to integrate real-world case studies that highlight how climate change and market systems disproportionately disadvantage vulnerable communities and groups. By examining these case studies, students will learn to assess the impact of climate change and market dynamics on these groups and explore strategies to amplify their voices in planning processes. My courses will also emphasize the use of market system development approaches to enhance the economic engagement of vulnerable groups. Students will learn to design strategies that modify market dynamics to reduce social injustice and promote equity. Through this integration of theory and practice, I aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge to develop inclusive and effective climate change and business strategies that address the needs of the most affected communities.
Q. Could you share some insights from your experience as a climate change consultant for the World Food Programme, particularly regarding the impact assessments and vulnerability assessments you conducted?
As a climate change consultant for the World Food Programme (WFP), I have conducted numerous impact and vulnerability assessments, particularly in the Gaza Strip. These assessments have provided valuable insights into the effects of climate change on food security and agricultural productivity in conflict-affected areas. My work has included conducting climate change vulnerability mapping, assessing the economic, technical, and sociocultural viability of adaptation models, and designing comprehensive climate change adaptation programs. These efforts underscore the need for tailored, integrated approaches that address the specific challenges of climate change in vulnerable regions like Gaza.
Q. In your advisory role for the Canadian government, what strategies have you found most effective in promoting women's empowerment and environmental sustainability?
In the Global Affairs Canada (GAC)-funded programs in Palestine, strategies have been developed to promote women's empowerment and environmental sustainability as two distinct yet complementary themes. These strategies have proven to be effective in achieving significant progress in both areas.
- Entrepreneurship Programs: One of the most successful initiatives has been the enhancement of women's economic engagement through entrepreneurship programs. These programs have achieved excellent results in social empowerment by supporting women in starting and growing their businesses. By providing women with the tools, resources, and networks needed to succeed, these programs have significantly improved their social and economic status.
- Policy Advocacy and Support: Advocacy efforts to enhance women's participation and rights have been crucial. This involves working with communities and organizations to ensure that women have a voice in decision-making processes and that their rights are protected and promoted. Such advocacy efforts have led to increased recognition of women's contributions and a more inclusive policy environment.
- Capacity Building and Education: Providing education and training for women in areas such as ICT, agriculture, alternative energy and handmade arts has proven highly successful. By equipping women with valuable skills and knowledge, these programs have empowered them to pursue new opportunities and improve their livelihoods. The focus on diverse fields ensures that women can engage in various sectors, contributing to their overall empowerment.
- Green Circular Economy: Promoting a Green Circular Economy involves exploring innovative business ideas and investing in the incubation and acceleration of green enterprises. This approach focuses on identifying opportunities to solve environmental challenge through profit making enterprises. Investing in incubators and accelerators provides startups with mentorship, funding, and resources necessary for growth, while access to finance through microloans and grants enables enterprises to scale and innovate.
- Integrated Approaches: One of the most effective strategies has been integrating women's empowerment directly into environmental sustainability projects. This involves designing initiatives that address both goals simultaneously, such as involving women in green circular economic SMEs where they have shown significant success in achieving business results as well as mitigating the negative implication of conventional energy.
These strategies have led to notable improvements in women's empowerment and environmental sustainability in Palestine. Women's increased participation in entrepreneurship and decision-making has strengthened their role in society, while integrated approaches have fostered more sustainable practices within communities. By addressing these themes both separately and in conjunction, a more holistic approach has been created that recognizes the interconnectedness of social and environmental goals, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
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Dr. Ahmed Abu Shaban will teach ENVS 3400 Introduction to Climate Change Policy and Science and ENVS 4350/5350 Climate Justice in EUC, as well as SOSC 4040 Issues in Business and Society in the Business and Society program in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. His courses are expected to provide students with practical insights into sustainable development strategies.