In the hyper-arid Arava, Jewish National Fund-USA, the University of Arizona, and regional partners are developing practical solutions for food, water, and energy security. The Kasser Joint Institute turns research in one of the world’s most demanding environments into knowledge that can strengthen vulnerable communities around the globe.

  • Researchers meeting inside an agricultural greenhouse.
  • Agrivoltaics research structures in the Arava Valley.
  • Researchers working with crops beneath a solar greenhouse structure.

  • Innovation Built for Arid Lands

    Nine research and academic institutions in the Arava collaborate through the institute, connecting applied research with student training and regional development. Projects already implemented in Kenya have reached 1,200 farmers, demonstrating how locally tested ideas can travel far beyond Israel.

  • Food and Clean Energy on the Same Land

    Agrivoltaics research combining solar-energy generation with food crops has demonstrated a 60% increase in land productivity and a 50% reduction in water evaporation. Large-scale demonstration sites in the Arava provide a platform for research, training, and solutions with global relevance.

  • Solar Greenhouses for Resilient Agriculture

    Solar greenhouse research integrates electricity generation into existing agricultural structures without sacrificing crop production. The systems can power cooling, heating, irrigation, and ventilation while researchers compare different solar-cover patterns and densities.

Funding Opportunities

ProgramGiving Level
New Agrivoltaics Site in the Arava$250,000
Solar Greenhouse in the Arava (2 available)$150,000
Annual Operations in Kenya$100,000
Annual Agrivoltaics Research in the Arava$80,000
Agrivoltaics Research in Kenya$50,000
Community Empowerment and Training in Kenya$25,000

* All opportunities are subject to availability.

Help Innovation Take Root

Your support can advance research and training that strengthens the Arava while sharing Israeli innovation with arid communities worldwide.

For giving opportunities, call 800.JNF.0099.

DONATE NOW