Abstract

This study examines the potential of hydroponicfarming as a sustainable agricultural solution and a driver ofgreen entrepreneurship in the Gaza Strip—a regioncharacterized by water scarcity, high urban density, andpolitical instability. Drawing on a qualitative case study andthematic analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted,including farmers, agricultural engineers, and policy experts.The study explores how hydroponics addresses keyenvironmental challenges, particularly water usage, andassesses its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goalsand entrepreneurship frameworks. Findings reveal thathydroponic systems significantly reduce waterconsumption—using less than 2.2 m³ per ton of producecompared to over 100 m³/ton in traditional farming.Participants emphasized hydroponics' ability to enableyear-round production, minimize pesticide use, and createviable micro-enterprises, particularly for youth and women.However, barriers such as high initial costs, limited access tonutrient solutions, and gaps in technical training persist. AStrengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT)analysis highlighted both the system's promise and itsvulnerabilities, while comparative analysis with existingliterature underscored its relevance to fragile settings. Thestudy concludes with policy recommendations aimed atsupporting hydroponics through capacity building, donorengagement, and urban agriculture strategies. This researchcontributes to academic discourse by integrating environmentalefficiency, food security, and entrepreneurship, while offeringpractical insights for replicating hydroponic models in otherresource-constrained environments.