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Water and Livelihoods Initiative for the Middle East Capability Statements

Monday, June 08, 2009 Page 71 of 170

Middle East Water and Livelihoods Initiative (WLI)

Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem (ARIJ)

Capability Statement The Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem (www.arij.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the Palestinian territories and self-reliance of the Palestinian people through greater control over their natural resources. ARIJ works specifically to augment the local stock of scientific and technical knowledge and to introduce and devise more efficient methods of resource utilization and conservation, improved practices, and appropriate technology. Moreover, through its work with donor institutions and regional and international experts, ARIJ promotes an environment conducive to the introduction of new initiatives and ideas and thus serves as a facilitator in the co-ordination of multilateral activities. ARIJ has a wide experience supported by its specialized humans in the fields of economic, social, natural resources management, water management, sustainable agriculture, communication technologies, and political dynamics of development in the area. ARIJ plays an active role in the local community as an advocate for greater co-operation among local institutions, as well as international and non-governmental organizations. ARIJ enjoys the services of 70 employees and expertise. ARIJ works in the following research fields and activities:

• Agro-production, food security, rural development, seed improvement; • Wastewater, solid waste, water resources, environment, biodiversity and desertification; • Land use/land cover analyses, GIS and Remote sensing technology • Monitoring occupation practices, urbanization and municipal planning; • Geo-technologies, GIS, remote sensing and map production; • Software development, web-sites, databases and office automation; • Capacity building in good governance, transparency and accountability; • Civil society involvement in gender equity, access to better life, human rights, decision making

and good governance and practices. Key Programs I. Sustainable Agriculture & Biodiversity Program Agriculture: Since its establishment ARIJ has focused on improving agricultural production in Palestine, through researching and implementing production activities on local landraces of field crops, vegetables and forages. The agricultural activities are extended to improve the subsistence agriculture

http://www.arij.org/



so as to assist in increasing the Palestinian food security including the development of home cultivations, as well as agribusiness through conducting marketing potential studies and exploring the better practices as well as the know-how on improving the production calendar and production-marketing chain. Consequently, the work is extended to improve food habits of rural areas and food processing for the produced commodities on household as well as cooperatives level. Biodiversity: ARIJ has performed many researches, studies and surveys about the Palestinian flora, medicinal and aromatic plants, forests, vegetation landscapes and ecosystems, oral agricultural and natural history and documented the available information about the Palestinian Fauna. The research and surveys’ results and information were documented in special reports, scientific papers, databases, books and in the national strategies and plans. II. Environment, Water & Waste management Program Since the year 1990, ARIJ has worked intensively on the Palestinian environment management mainly through the improvement of the Palestinian awareness towards the importance of environmental quality and waste management. ARIJ had developed the first Palestinian Environmental Information System (PEIS) in the year 1997 and prepared the first integrated book about the Status of Environment in the Palestinian Territory (SOER), which was updated through new research and analysis in the year 2007. Additionally, ARIJ has developed several databases and studies about the environment sustainable indicators, water resources and water budget. Recently, ARIJ has started the initiative to establish the Palestinian National forum for environmental management. ARIJ has conducted several studies about the Palestinian water resources including water rights, water budget and the quality of available water resources. Several models and management systems were developed by ARIJ for water resources and water shed management as well as integrated studies were performed about the status of the water sector in Palestine. Additionally, ARIJ has developed a model for monitoring air quality in Palestine and for detecting the source of air pollution through establishing several air quality monitoring stations. Regarding waste management, ARIJ has performed integrated studies to analyze the waste management policies in Palestine and the needs for development. On research and innovation levels, ARIJ had recently succeeded in developing the first Palestinian small scale wastewater plant for treating the household generated wastewater and started producing and establishing the first 180 units. This is to reduce the pollution impact of the cesspits on the ground water and water springs as well as on the human health. Additionally, ARIJ has established a medium scale wastewater treatment unit in one on of the Palestinian rural communities. III. Resource Management & Physical Planning Program ARIJ focuses on improving the management of Palestinian natural resources in a sustainable manner. In this field ARIJ has developed indicators for Palestinian sustainable development over the different relevant sectors and has explored the potential of natural resources management through localizing some chapters of Agenda 21 to the Palestinian context. Additionally, ARIJ is working on practicing Agenda 21 with some of the Palestinian local authorities (village councils and municipalities to improve their good governance to natural resources and enhancing the participation of the communities



in the process of developing local authorities’ plans). Furthermore, ARIJ is monitoring Israeli settlement activities and their impact on the Palestinian lands ( as well as other natural resources including vegetation cover, agriculture areas, water resources), people mobility and accessibility, land confiscation, checkpoints and barriers and lands destruction including uprooting trees and crops’ damaging . ARIJ is distinguished in utilizing up-to-date technologies in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems, which assisted the institute to produce the first Palestinian Atlas, conducting land use land cover analysis to monitor changes on land by time and type of activity such as Israeli settlement activities, Palestinian urban growth. The analysis is also used to assist the Palestinian authorities on land management and in planning process for suitable land use. All generated information is presented in maps, databases, management models and scenarios. IV. Information Technology, Modeling, and Decision support systems Program Information Technology, modeling and management scenarios are very important tools to present, and to manipulate the information and data in a scientific, accessible, and friendly shape. ARIJ had developed several databases in fields of natural resources (water, land, biodiversity and agriculture), food vulnerability and insecurity information system, development of planning and decision support system through developing a software entitled “ Palestinian System for Environment Management”, air quality monitoring system, aridity special model, and others. ARIJ has developed e-office system to improve the institution management systems; financial, administrative, human resources management, and internal monitoring. This system has been implemented by the organization and all the applications are web-based, where the paper usage, administrative routine practices become minimal and thus time management has improved. Key Staff Jad Issac -- Professor, Director General Department of Soil and Water Sciences Nader Hrimat -- Head, Agriculture and Biodiversity Program Jane Hilal -- Head, Natural Resources Management Program Issa Zboun -- Head, GIS and Remote Sensing program. Roubina Ghattas -- Researcher, Biodiversity and Forestry Department Mohammad Al-Sulymieh -- Director, Sustainable Agriculture Department. Hilotrod Awad -- Coordinator, Socioeconomic and Food Security Department. Suhail Khalilieh -- Director, Monitoring Israeli Settlement Activates Department Fadi Ishaq -- Head of the Information Technology Program. Ahamad Al-Atrash -- Researcher, Physical Planning and Land Use Suitability. Fahd Abu Saymeh -- Head, Administration and International Relations Program Training and Capacity Building Offered ARIJ provides its services to different directions and levels, which includes governmental, civil society (local communities and households), local and international organizations. The provided services are



diversified between providing information, reports, maps, and contributing in strategic planning, conducting special surveys and studies, and implementing developmental activities in the field of agriculture, water management, and waste management. Additionally, ARIJ provides short training Courses in natural resources management, land use/land cover analysis, GIS and Remote sensing applications in natural resources management, water shed management, Land suitability mapping system, developing models and databases for natural resources management, organic agriculture practices, farming as a business, Global Gape and agro-marketing system, cropping patterns and crop production calendars, food processing and food hygiene, dissension support systems for natural resources management, optimization of available natural resources, identification and conservation of plant genetic resources, improving plant land races, developing wastewater treatment technology and reuse of treated water water for irrigation. ARIJ’s services also include extension services, and human resource capacity building in all ARIJ relevant fields. Key Areas of Expertise ARIJ enjoys wide experience in the fields of agro-production system, optimization of natural resources, rural development, water resources and water shed management, Geo-technology and mapping systems, land use/land cover analysis, Information technology practices in natural resources and decision support systems, Biological resources identification and conservation, civil society empowerment and gender equity enhancement. Related Projects and consultancies performed by ARIJ

ARIJ Implemented Projects and interventions • Status of rainfed farming in Palestine (MCC & Spanish Cooperation) • Field demonstrations and experiments for field crop land races (MCC and Canadian Food

Grains Bank) • Assess the potential of hydroponics for producing animal feed (GTZ) • Developing the Palestinian Agricultural Database (Australian Aid and SDC) • Developing the Palestinian Flora, Fauna and forestry database (Australian Aid & SDC) • Study and analyze the pesticides usage in the West Bank (ARIJ self fund) • Documenting the Palestinian Oral plant history and producing (GEF Small Grant) • Assess the potential of aquaculture (Spanish Cooperation) • Water database (SDC) • Irrigation management (IDRC, World Bank) • Water allocations in the lower Jordan Valley (EC fund) • Palestinian Environmental Information System (SDC) • Environmental Profiles for West Bank districts (Australian Aid) • Sources of pollution in the Western aquifer • Testing small scale waste water treatment plant (Ministry of Higher Education) • Air quality monitoring • Palestinian System for Environmental Resource Management (SDC) • Localizing Agenda 21 (EU-LIFE) • Assessing waste management policy in Palestine (IDRC)



• Testing Medium Scale waste water treatment plant in Nahhalin (MCC & SDC) • Monitoring Land use changes (Australian Fund) • Atlas of Palestine (Australian Fund) • Urbanization trends (IDRC) • Transportation modeling and air quality • Food security for improving the livelihood of the poor rural families (USAID), Austrian Aid,

Spanish Cooperation, EC-Emergency program, USDA) • The Palestinian Agro-marketing system (Catalonian fund) • Developing agricultural village developmental profile for Hebron District (Spanish Cooperation

and Azahar program)

ARIJ Implemented consultancies In recognition of its professional and technical expertise, ARIJ has been contracted to execute a number of consultancies including:

• Agriculture sector review (Spanish cooperation and Azahar Program • Natural resources management Policy for Ministry of Agriculture • Environmental Country Profile for Palestine • Biodiversity Strategy, Palestinian Environmental Authority • Agricultural Natural Resources Strategy, Ministry of Agriculture • Social Assessment for solid waste land fill • Environmental Human Rights Action Plan • Agro biodiversity strategy for Palestine • Surveying and developing management plan for medicinal and aromatic plants (UNDP) • Evaluation of Capacity Building in Agricultural Policy Analysis and Planning in Palestine, • Capacity Building for the Adoption and Application of Energy Codes for buildings • Waste Water Strategy • Developing water shed management for Southern part of Hebron, MOA (Danish Regional

project) • Provide training on GIS application in natural resources management for MoA, Environment

Authority and local government, • Agro biodiversity GIS • Agricultural Information System, land suitability and mapping system • Plotting and identifying Palestinian and races and wild species of field crops in north sand south

of the West Bank (UNDP, Moa regional project) • Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Mapping System



(www.hebron.edu) 1. University Mission: • To provide students with high quality education. • To advance knowledge and to solve local community problems through scientific research. • To contribute to the development and improvement of the cultural, social, and economic status

of Palestinian society. • To provide opportunities of higher education for underprivileged students. 2. Faculty of Agriculture: 2.1. Overview: The faculty was established in 1987 in response to the community's need for highly trained professionals with the necessary agricultural engineers qualified to develop and enhance local agriculture. With its three-pronged objectives of education, research, and community service, the Faculty of Agriculture not only trains qualified professionals, but also sponsors applied research and conducts extensive outreach, visiting farmers throughout the Hebron region in order to answer questions and teach new techniques. The Faculty of Agriculture offers programs leading to the BSc degrees in the following departments: 1. Plant Production and Protection. 2. Animal Production and Protection. 3. Soil Science and Irrigation. 4. Nutrition and Food Technology. 5. Agricultural Economics and Extension.

Capability Statement Middle East Water and Livelihood Initiative (WLI)

Hebron University / Faculty of Agriculture, Palestine

Capability Statement

http://www.hebron.edu/



In addition, the faculty offers two programs leading to MSc degrees in 1. Plant Protection. 2. Natural Agricultural Resources and Sustainable Management. 2.2. The faculty message: Since the establishment of our Faculty in 1987, the Faculty has positioned itself to take the responsibility of conducting research in various fields of agriculture; offering high quality programs; providing the country with qualified needed graduates; and establishing effective relationship with public and private sectors. As a faculty we are working hard to achieve these goals and therefore, to enhance the Palestinian agricultural sector. We are proud to announce that 85% from our graduates are leading the Palestinian agricultural sector in the levels of governmental, semi-governmental, NGOs, and private sector. Looking for the future, many challenges ahead needs some changes. One approach to dealing with these challenges and changes is the agricultural curriculum. Recently, we have designed our new curriculum to conform to trends and concepts of the agricultural education of the new century. The new interdisciplinary curriculum is based on the concept of "Learning by Doing." Finally, we would like to express our wishes for cooperation with similar agricultural institutions and bodies. 2.3. The faculty staff:

1. Dr. Rezq Basheer- Salimia, Horticulture Science and Technology 2. Dr. Abdul_Jalil Hamdan, Plant Entomology 3. Dr. Ayed Salama, Rangeland 4. Dr. Hazem Albakier, Soil Science and Irrigation 5. Professor Radwan Barakat, Plant Pathology 6. Mr. Raed Dayeh, Animal Production and Protection 7. Dr. Sabri Saghir, Nutrition and Food Technology 8. Dr. Talat Tamimi, Agriculture Economics and Extension 9. Dr. Yousef Amro, Soil Science and Irrigation 10. Mr. Zaki Tubesha, Nutrition and Food Technology 11. Mr. Mohamad Al-Masri, (Technician, Natural Resources) 12. Mr. Ibrahim Ghannam, Plant Protection (Farm manager) 13. Mrs. Haya Ikhlail, (Technician, Plant Production and Protection) 14. Mr. Omar Naser, (Technician, Animal Production and Protection) 15. Mr. Salman Itmeze (Technician, Soil and Irrigation) 16. Mr. Saleh Al-Seekh, (Technician, Natural Resources and Biotechnology)

2.4. The faculty programs (departments):



The Faculty of Agriculture offers five programs leading to the BSc degrees in addition to two programs leading to MSc degrees as the following: 2.4.1. BSc Programs: 2.4.1.1. Plant Production and Protection (1990): Graduates of this department are qualified to share in development and transfer technology to farmers of plant production and protection sectors including field crops, fruit trees, vegetables, and green houses. Graduates are also able to conduct diagnostics and management of plant diseases and pests. In addition, graduates are prepared to conduct applied research and to carryout extension activities to solve problems facing plant production and protection sectors. 2.4.1.2. Animal Production and Protection (1995): Graduates of this department are qualified to share in development and transfer technology to farmers. In addition, graduates are prepared to conduct applied research to solve problems facing livestock sectors. 2.4.1.3. Soil and Irrigation (1997): Graduates of this department are qualified to share in development and transfer technology in fertilization and irrigation to farmers of plant production sectors including field crops, fruit trees, vegetables, and green houses. Graduates are able to do management of irrigation systems. In addition, graduates are prepared to conduct applied research and to do extension activities to solve problems facing plant production sector. 2.4.1.4. Nutrition and Food Technology: HU has the first department of this specialization to be established in Faculty of Agriculture in Palestine. Graduates of this department would be qualified to be experts in food technology and human nutrition. Thus graduates are prepared to supervise food manufactories such as dairy processing, food processing and preservation and vegetable and fruits canning. In addition, graduates could supervise nutrition receipt for hospitals, hotels, schools and universities. 2.4.1.5. Agricultural Economics and Extension. 2.4.2. MSc Programs : 1. Plant Protection: (Master's Program in Plant Protection) Intensive agriculture and the excessive use of pesticides induced many plant diseases and insect pests to develop resistance to pesticides, which created major economic and technical problems in the control of plant pests and diseases. Therefore, a research program in the field of plant protection was necessary to put forward practical solutions and alternative measures for the control of plant’s pests and diseases in addition to the importance of studying local hosts-pathogen-pest interactions in the Palestinian agricultural environment. A well-established plant research unit including greenhouses and open fields planted with fruit trees and grapevines in addition to vegetable plots equipped with irrigation system to be used for conducting field research were established. Furthermore, highly equipped research labs have been established in the department of plant production.



Master program in plant protection was established in 2002. Students enrolled in this program should have a BSc degree in plant production and/or protection or any other relevant field. Students have to finish 36-credit hrs, including 12 credit hrs core courses, 15 credit hrs electives and to conduct a lab and/or field research of 9-credit hrs and to submit a defendable thesis. This program is expected to graduate advanced trained experts in plant protection who are qualified of conducting research and manage solving plant protection problems facing farmers. 2. Natural Agricultural Resources and Sustainable Management. This Master's program was established in 2002 in response to evolving community requirements. The agricultural natural resources in Palestine are limited. Unfortunately, they have been exposed to misuse and to many factors that have led to severe deterioration in its condition such as the increased environmental pollution due to excessive use of pesticides and the use of untreated wastewater in irrigation. These factors resulted in the College of Agriculture to establish this master's program. The College of Agriculture at Hebron University established a suitable infrastructure to fulfill the educational and research requirement for the Master program, these include: full time academic staff, highly equipped labs, research stations, specialized books, periodicals and information resources, and computer and internet facilities. This program will concentrate on performing research on studying, transfer technology, and solving some of the problems facing Palestine’s agricultural natural resources. The program will take into consideration that the many local problems that need research and aim to find solutions. The Master's program will graduate advanced trained students who will be able to better manage projects related to agricultural natural resources such as soil, water, plants, and animals and to help in achieve a sustainable development of Palestine. Students enrolled in this program must have a BSc degree in Agricultural Natural Resources or other related sciences. They are also required to finish 36 credit hours, 9 of which are in a specialized research topic leading to a thesis. 2.5. The faculty Agricultural Stations: 2.5.1. Aِl-Aroub Agricultural Station: / Plant Production and Protection Station. It was established in 1997 at Al-Aroub site (13 kilometer from the University campus). The station is supported by a modern agricultural machinery unit and meteorological station. The total area of the station is about 56 dunums. It includes the following units: • Fruit trees unit: planted with different varieties of stone and pome fruits. • Field crops unit: used for planting different kinds of cereals and legumes. • Vegetable crops unit • Greenhouses unit: about one dunum of plastic tunnels are used for research and training of

graduate as well as undergraduate students. Several research projects have been conducted including biological control of pathogenic fungi; insects and parasitic weeds; such as early



blight control by tricoderma local isolates; tomato fruit insect by noumaria local isolates; studies on vegetable leaf miners; evaluating different tomato cultivars.

• Open field unit: planted with different varieties of Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Crucifers, and Leguminaceae crops. This unit is also used for training of BSc students as well as for MSc research.

• Grape vineyard: cultivated with more than 20 local cultivars, used for training of BSc students and several MSc research have been conducted including studies on grape berry moth and grapevine aphid.

2.5.2. Zeef Agricultural Station: / Animal Production and Protection Station. The station is located in Zeef/Yatta town at the southern part of Hebron city. The area of the station is about 20 dunums, the unit contains the structures and equipments needed for animal production mainly the broilers, sheep and goats, in addition to cows. The unit is used for BSc students’ practical courses and for MSc students’ research. Additionally, a modern meteorological station and a biogas unit were installed in the station. 2.5.3. Research Station for Arid and Semi Arid Area: This station located to the East of Yatta town, has an area of about 60 dunums. It is located in the arid to semi-arid zone, therefore, all research related to the arid and semi-arid environment was conducted at this station, such as rangeland rehabilitation and water harvesting. 2.6. Agricultural laboratories: 2.6.1. Plant Production Lab: This lab was established in 1994 when the college was established. It contains equipment and apparatus that are needed for teaching, training and research offered by the department to BSc as well as to MSc students at the Faculty of Agriculture. Laboratory sessions for several courses of plant production disciplines are carried out in this lab such as, Plant Physiology Lab (51204); Plant Breeding Lab (51301); Plant Propagation Lab (51303; Vegetable Production lab (51311); Field Crop Production Lab (51321); Fruit Trees Production Lab (51331); Seed Production Lab (51322); Plant Tissue Culture Lab (51409). In addition, many M. Sc. research for Sustainable Natural Resources Program are also conducted in this lab. Technician: Mrs. Haya Ikhlail, (BSc in Plant Production and Protection) 2.6.2. Plant Protection Lab: This lab was also established in 1994 when the college was established. It has high tech equipment and apparatus that are needed for teaching, training and research offered by the department to B. Sc as well as to MSc students at the Faculty of Agriculture. Laboratory sessions for several courses of plant production disciplines are carried out in this lab such as, Mycology Lab (51206); Entomology Lab (51361); Economic Entomology Lab (52362); Plant Diseases Lab (51371). In addition, MSc research for Plant Protection Program is also conducted in this lab.



Moreover, some community services are offered by this lab to farmers including diagnosis and report of causal agents for diseases and insect pests on plant samples provided by farmers to the lab. Technician: Mrs. Haya Ikhlail, (BSc in Plant Production and Protection) 2.6.3. Food and Feed Analysis Lab: The lab of food analysis was established when the college was established which included some principal devices to carry out some basic analysis of food and feed products. Later on, together the opening of the department of nutrition and food technology the lab was refurbished in order to meet the students’ demands for teaching, training, and research achievement. It also serves the governmental and private institutions in the field of food analysis, and offers different relevant training programs in this field. The lab consists of many utensils and apparatus that serve the chemical, biological, and physical tests for food and feed products. Technician: Mr. Omar Naser, (BSc in Animal Production and Protection) 2.6.4. Soil and Irrigation Lab: The laboratory is run by the department of soil and irrigation to serve the undergraduate and graduate students on the levels of teaching as well as conducting research. Updated methodologists and techniques are used at this Lab to perform different chemical and physical analyses of soils, water, and plants. The laboratory contains many modern devices such as Kjeldahl, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Spectrophotometer, Flame Photometer, Calcimeter, pH meter, EC meter etc. Technician: Mr. Salman Itmeze (BSc in Soil and Irrigation) 2.6.5. Geographic Information System Lab (GIS Unit): The GIS unit was established in 2003 to meet the need for this technology in different research and study fields including ecological and environmental studies. The goals are to use and transfer this technology to research and training in ecological and agricultural studies, and to address the growing needs for special database development and analysis. The GIS unit provides services to MSc students, such as maps including vegetation cover, topography, soil, and climate. Technician: Mr. Saleh Al-Seekh, (MSc in Natural Resources and Biotechnology) 2.6.6. Plant Biotechnology Lab: The biotechnology lab was established in 2004. The lab has the main equipment and devices for research and training. At the current time the lab hosts and provides facilities for several MSc students working in the field of plant genetic engineering. Technician: Mr. Saleh Al-Seekh, (MSc in Natural Resources and Biotechnology) 2.7. Current scientific projects

The Isolation And Use of Trichoderma spp. In the Control of Soil-borne Plant Diseases Drought Tolerant sun Dried Tomatoes: A novel product Based on Heterotic Natural Biodiversity



Towards a Functional Genomic Analysis of Drought and Salt Tolerance: Fine Mapping of QTLs of Tomato Wild Species and Identification of Candidate Genes Current Chemical control of the Grape Berry Moth, Lobesia (Polychrosis) Botrana, and its Alternatives Investigation of Compatibility between Local Palestinian Grape Cultivars and American Rootstocks Resistant to Phylloxera Insect Role of phytohormones in the interaction of phytopathogenic fungi and their host plants Watershed Monitoring and Evaluation Effect of Organic Amendments on The Level of Soil Suppressiveness to Plant Diseases : Application to Integrated Control of Diseases Induced by Fusarium Oxysporum and Rhizoctonia Solani Conservation of Palestinian Landraces of Spice Plants Biocontrol of Armyworms with the Entomopathogenic Fungi Nomuraea rileyi and Beauveria bassiana The Effects of Different Levels of Protein on Growth Rate and Economic Returns of Awassi Lambs Project Plant Improvement For Resistance to Biotic and Abiotic Stress, Using Agricultural Biotechnology Studies on Different factors Affecting Olive Oil Quality Integrated Broomrape Management in Legumes High Quality Solanaceous Crops for Consumers, Processors and producers by Exploration of Natural Biodiversity Early Stages of pathogenesis in plant pathogenic fungi Assessing the storability of table grapes and cluster tomatoes cultivated in Palestinian Territories Investigations on the fauna associated with the pollen and nectar collected by honybees (Apis mellifera L.) and its relation to the quality and quantity of honey crops produced at the southern high lands of West-Bank



The Land Research Center (LRC) www.lrcj.org was established in Jerusalem in 1986. It is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit Palestinian organization whose activities cover the areas of the West Bank (including East Jerusalem). The center is funded by donations and contributions given by individuals and organizations, and through joint projects with international and local organizations. Mission To defend Palestinians' rights to land, water, clean environment, and housing through the implementation of projects, training of human resources, and capacity building. Additionally, monitoring, documenting, and writing about Israeli violations in the above fields, and providing legal advocacy for affected people is also part of our mission. General Objectives

1. To protect the Palestinian land and agriculture from Israeli violations 2. To develop Palestinian agriculture and expertise by training and capacity building 3. To conduct research and studies on the issues of land, water, environment 4. To provide legal assistance to affected land and house owners and farmers 5. To fight against environmental damage and desertification 6. To establish a comprehensive and well-structured soil database in the West Bank and Gaza

Strip 7. To encourage and implement agricultural food projects 8. To develop family economies by giving household women a primary role 9. To provide emergency aid for communities under military closure and for the poor and

marginalized List of projects implemented or under implementation

(1) Inventory of Soil Resources in the West Bank and Gaza Strip (from 1997-current time): This initiative came in the context of the project entitled “Inventory of the Soil Resources in the

Middle East Water and Livelihood Initiative (WLI)

Land Research Center, Palestine


http://www.lrcj.org/



West Bank and Gaza Strip- Palestine.” This project is co-financed by the European Commission DG XI under Life-Third Countries Lifetcy 96/GA/59. The Palestinian Soil Bureau (PSB) was established in 1997 under the auspices of the Land Research Center (LRC) at the outset of this project. The general objective for PSB is to establish a comprehensive and well-structured soil database in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The database, now, provides planners and policy makers in various fields like agriculture, environment, construction, transportation, etc. with the necessary information to set solid and practical policies in the context of the sustainable development processes. In addition to that, PSB activities include land reclamation projects in the West Bank. The Palestinian Soil Bureau produced the following products:

Land Systems Mapping of the West Bank and Gaza Strip at the scale of 1:50,000 Digital Terrain Model (DTM): DTM was prepared for all of the West Bank and Gaza Strip out of Landsat stereo-pairs with contour interval of 10 m. Slope, aspects, and elevation class maps are being developed from DTM, which are going to be very helpful for land management.

Land Cover Mapping of the West Bank and Gaza Strip at the scale of 1:50,000: The Palestinian Soil Bureau has prepared a very much needed complete land cover of West Bank and Gaza Strip according to CORINE methodology and nomenclature. It is detailed up to the fourth level of classification. Pedological characterization of Eastern Heights Land System: This project was implemented in order to become familiar with soil study methods that address the need for a highly informative content of the collected data and a control of the time and realization costs. The method consists of a soil survey in sample areas specifically selected, after an accurate subdivision of the territory into homogeneous units on the base of remote sensing and ancillary data (geology, land use, etc.). The soil was classified following the "Soil Taxonomy" (USDA, 1998) and the FAO - ISRIC World Reference Base for Soil Resources (1998). Soil Maps at detailed scale: The Palestinian Soil Bureau prepared detailed soil maps of three portions of the territory of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The mapped areas, which have been chosen according to their importance for agriculture, scientific interest, and training value, are as follows:

• Jericho District: 1300 ha at the scale of 1:10,000: the area is located Southward and Eastward the city of Jericho up to the by pass road.

• Hebron District: 1800 ha at the scale of 1:25,000: the area is located Eastward of the city of Hebron and includes the villages of Sa`er, Al Jalajil, Ash Shuyukh up to Bani Na`im.

• Gaza District 500 ha at the scale of 1:10,000: the area is located South-east of Beit Hanun.

This project was conducted in cooperation with the European Soil Bureau.

(2) Land Reclamation and Development project in the West Bank (from 1991- current time) funded by UNDP, Welfare Association. This project is being executed by the National Committee for Land Reclamation and Development under the supervision and administration of the Ministry of Agriculture and UNDP. It entails integrated and sustainable land reclamation and



development projects including water harvesting activities for agricultural irrigation. LRC is one of five Palestinian NGOs entrusted with the implementation of this project on the ground. (3) Emergency Aid Project for Bedouins (from 1997-2000). This project aims to address the consequences of drought in recent years. Animal fodder, mobile water tanks, gas cookers and electric generators have been distributed to about 1000 Bedouin families in the West Bank. The project was funded by ECHO. (4) Development of cow genetics (from 2000- current time) A project implemented by LRC in partner ship with Italian Croceivia Institution, the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Al-Najah National University and Tulkarem Cooperative for Livestock. (5) Project “The Establishment of Land Information System for the Purpose of Enhancing Municipal Planning and Supervision of the Land and Environment in Hebron District, 2001-2004.” It was implemented by LRC in partnership with Italian Croceivia, Pisa province and Hebron municipality. Hebron municipality is the beneficiary. (6) Preparation of Soil Map for the Mediterranean Region (2000-present). The project is being implemented in cooperation with the European Soil Bureau. LRC’s role is to prepare the part on Palestine (West Bank and Gaza Strip). (7) Assessment of Environmental Impacts and Horizons of Rehabilitation for Abandoned Limestone Quarries in the Eastern and Northeastern Parts of Hebron District (November 2001 to June 2002). This study was conducted to assess the negative impacts of the randomly established limestone quarries in a heavily populated area in Hebron District. This project was funded by the American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA). (8) Project on raising public awareness on the negative impact of the quarries on the environment and biodiversity in Hebron Governorate: (October to December 2002). It was funded by UNDP – GEF- SGP. (9) Project on Home Gardens for Food Security (2002 to present): This project aims at local producing and delivering of needed food and water for poor families. (10) Monitoring Israeli Colonizing Activities in the West Bank (from 1998 – present): This project is a joint venture with the Applied Research Institute (ARIJ)- Jerusalem. The project is funded by the EU.

Prospective Future Activities

1. Concentrating on sustainable agricultural projects for Palestinian farmers, particularly land reclamation projects.

2. Creating the thematic maps that are strongly related to soil survey like soil capability maps, soil erosion maps.

3. Continuing the updating of the land use and land cover maps using aerial photographs and satellite images.



4. Establishing more detailed maps for each land system, which are already set at the level of landform pattern. The landform elements will be concentrated much more in these detailed maps.

5. Working on applied researches relevant to the results obtained from the current studies like forestry, soil fertility, soil conservation and enhancing their properties.

6. Cooperating with local and international institutions to develop soil resource in the context of sustainable development depending on the available data.

7. Establishing an extension service unit in the fields of soil mapping and agriculture. 8. Planning on a scientific basis to serve the environment through land classification

regarding type, and the suitability for different kinds of vegetation and classification of plants regarding their resistance to diseases and susceptibility to irrigated and non-irrigated situations.

9. Developing a network of relations with institutions and educational centers concerned with soil and agriculture at regional and international levels, especially in the Mediterranean area.

LRC Key staff: 1. Jamal Talab, Director General. 2. Mohammed Hasasneh, Head, Monitoring Israeli Settlement Activates Department 3. Basem Dudeen, Head, Soil Mapping and Land Classification Department 4. Wael Abu Rumaila, Head, Soil and Irrigation Department 5. Mahmud Saifi, Head, Land Development and Reclamation Department 6. Murad Husani, Head, Land Degradation and Organic Agriculture Department 7. Mohammed Sadeq, Head, GIS Department 8. Maha Ma'ali, Head, Remote Sensing Department 9. Maki Hafiz, Head, Environment and Black Water Department 10. Lina Abu Sa'da, Head, Family Agricultural Development 11. Qasem Abu Dayyeh, Head, Public Relations Department.



Introduction: The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) was established along with the Palestinian Authority after the Oslo Accords in 1993. The total number of MOA employees is now 1,263 employees, of which, there are 15 Ph.D, 76 MSc and 380 BSc degrees. The ministry has 17 departments distributed between the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WBGS). MOA vision: To achieve modern agriculture with high economic efficiency in the use of natural resources; capable of achieving food security for the Palestinian people; and to provide access to a decent life for workers in the agricultural sector by increasing the capacity to provide food security for the population, achieving sustainability of the natural agricultural resources, and attaining stability in rural communities. MOA mission: To implement state policy with regard to comprehensive agricultural development and optimum but sustainable use of natural resources; increasing returns from agricultural production, increasing profitability of farmers to participate in the national economy and organizing work in the agricultural sector. MOA Role:

1. Preparing the agricultural policy and strategies, plans and development projects. 2. Preparing the agricultural law and bylaws and issuing the decisions. 3. Sharing in putting the standards in place for the agricultural products and inputs and

controlling the implementation of these standards. 4. Conducting applied agricultural research using new techniques and building a data base for

agricultural information and statistics. 5. Preparing the suitable infrastructure for agricultural investment. 6. Managing natural resources and caring for their protection and sustainable use. 7. Encouraging farmer's organizations and consolidating the role of women in rural

development and decision-making.

Middle East Water and Livelihoods Initiative (WLI)

Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) - Palestine




8. Providing agricultural services and extension in addition to veterinary services and animal health protection.

The Role of the Agriculture Sector: Agriculture has been the dominant sector in the Palestinian economy, providing gainful employment for a large part of the population and significantly contributing to GDP. Agriculture also provides food security, and contributes to economic growth. The basic tenet of the Palestinian development strategy is that in the face of the complex political, economic, social, and security issues facing the economy, the agricultural sector should be considered the mainstay of the economy because of the fact that agriculture plays major roles in the WBGS. These are:

• Sustaining economic activities in rural areas when other sectors have virtually collapsed. The share of agriculture in the economy which had been regularly decreasing over the previous decades has increased again since the beginning of the Intifada from 6.4% in 1999 to 9.0% in 2000 and an estimated 11% in 2006;

• providing employment in rural areas particularly for those who lost their jobs in Israel; • contributing to household food security by producing key traditional products such as dairy

(milk, cheese), vegetables and olive oil; • Providing sources of cash income in rural areas through the sale of olive oil, fruits,

vegetables, and some animal products; • Fighting poverty in rural areas and contributing to alleviation of current social conditions

in the WBGS; • Possibly partly substituting for food imports and food aid, which would reduce the

dependency of the WBGS on external sources currently vital in ensuring food security Constraints to Agricultural Sector: The agriculture sector has been operating within a framework of political and structural constraints. However, we should distinguish between the current constraints resulting from the Intifada and Israeli policies and those of a more structural nature: Current constraints can be summarized as follows:

1. Access to land resources, including rangeland, is restricted due to closures, confiscation of land, restricted movement of people and animals, as well as, more recently, the construction of the separation wall.

2. Access to water particularly for irrigation purposes is restricted as ground and surface water resources are controlled and unequally shared with Israeli users who access an estimated 80% of the resources in the WBGS.

3. Since the beginning of the Intifada, the movement of goods is restricted and unreliable both within the territories, and between the territories and Israel. This is a major constraint for marketing agricultural products.

4. Restricted movement of people makes communication difficult, which resulted in a considerable slow down in the work of support institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), development institutions and NGOs.



5. Direct damage to agriculture resulting from the conflict includes uprooting of trees, destruction of infrastructure (irrigation facilities and greenhouses) and damage to soils.

6. Direct damage to agriculture resulting from the separation wall also constitutes a constraint for recovery in wall areas. The MOA estimates the damages caused by the wall as follows: • More than 1,150 ha were lost by the construction of the wall. • More than 5,750 ha were separated from owners because of the parcel location behind

the wall. • The direct damages of the agriculture infrastructure estimated at about US $19 million.

Agricultural Policy To achieve a modern agriculture that responds to the needs of local and foreign markets and is competitive in terms of quality and price, there is a need to provide adequate support services and infrastructure, within the framework of the following policies and guidelines: Main Objectives of Agricultural Policy: The agricultural policy aims to achieve the following main objectives that will clearly define the course of rural and agricultural development in Palestine for the next phase:

1. The optimal exploitation of agricultural resources, particularly, the land and water, based on economic viability, efficiency and social equity; to ensure their sustainability, preserve the environment, and to contribute to achieving food security.

2. Development of the Palestinian rural areas through an integrated rural development approach, where agriculture constitutes its backbone. Special consideration to people’s participation and to coordination and harmonization with the civil societies; integrating gender issues and encouraging the establishment of farmers and other target group organizations.

3. Improve the competitiveness of agricultural production in the local and foreign markets. 4. Enable the private sector to act freely and to contribute to rural and agricultural

development. 5. Strengthen the institutional structure and the legislative framework of the agriculture

sector, and to develop human resources to enable more efficient delivery of services. 6. Encourage the regional and Arab cooperation and integration and effective contribution in

the regional and international organizations and agreements. Supporting the capacity building of the Ministry of Agriculture: The MOA is working hard to improve its services through the adoption of different means and modern techniques that would enhance the role and increase the efficiency towards the development of the agricultural sector. The following are some key features of the MOA, which intends to have them strengthened and working effectively:



1- Reviewing and updating the agricultural policy and strategies according to the current situation and needs in cooperation with all related agencies and organizations. (NGOs, Private Sector, Universities, etc).

2- Preparing the agricultural law and bylaws for the agricultural sector. 3- Organizing farmers groups in agricultural councils such as the Olive Oil Council Grape

Council Poultry Council and Milk Council. 4- Achieving structural, financial and MOA administrative reform in the HQ and in the

districts. 5- Strengthening the role of the MOA in its planning process, implementation, monitoring

and evaluation using different approaches, techniques and modern methods leading to sustainable agricultural development.

6- Supporting, upgrading, and strengthening capacity development of the MOA staff in the areas of planning, supervision, post-harvest techniques, GIS, and regulatory tasks.

7- Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of MOA public services offered to farmers, private sector organizations, civil society and other governmental institutions.

Priorities of the MOA are given in the Agricultural Medium Term Development Plan (2009-2011), which forms part of the integrated Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP), of the PA, under preparation by the Ministry of Planning (MOP). The following needs were emphasized:

Recovery of rural livelihoods and employment creation, taking into account the vast

numbers whose farm assets were lost or damaged, or who became unemployed as a result of the prevailing situation;

Developing markets as well as improving farm practices for products such as olive oil and

other tree crops (dates) and horticultural products and improving the competitive edge of Palestinian products domestically and internationally;

Improving and developing the system of rural finance, in view of the limited amount of

agricultural credit currently available from the banking sector, and the ad hoc and patchy nature of financial services provided by various donor supported projects and programmes;

Giving adequate attention to animal health and disease aspects, especially for sheep and

goats, besides production inputs and techniques;

Activating analytical and diagnostic facilities for crops and livestock (existing laboratories to be properly staffed and laboratory equipment installed in suitable premises);

Establishing more clearly the role of the private sector and civil society organizations vis-

à-vis public sector organizations in service delivery and identifying suitable institutional options e.g. private/commercial, community/cooperative, or partnerships thereof, to enhance the functioning of farmer organizations;

Not only physically rehabilitating existing wells and springs, but also putting in place

equitable and sustainable systems of water management by the users, such as developing



water user organizations (local level) and institutions (legislation/regulatory provisions); and

Capacity building and institutional development requirements within the MOA,

including institutional reform, skill enhancement in agricultural policy analysis, and planning of rehabilitation/development interventions based on participatory principles applied at the local level.

The PRDP includes the following strategic objectives:- 1-Provide a supportive environment conducive to the development of the agricultural sector.

• Consolidate and strengthen the institutional structure and legal and legislative framework.

• Develop existing institutions and effective networking. • Prepare qualified manpower and implement the optimum management of human

sources. • Develop information systems, research and agricultural studies. • Develop systems of financial support, loan funds and disaster management.

2- Conserve natural resources and use agriculture in a sustainable way.

• Implement best use of agricultural land and increase the agricultural area. • Work to increase and develop available sources of water . • Manage water and irrigation efficiently, and maximize return. • Maintain vegetation and wildlife in the context of sustainable development . • Protect against agricultural land confiscation and those threatened behind the wall.

3- Increase food production (agricultural production)

• Increasing the productivity per unit area quantitatively and qualitatively. • Providing infrastructure services • Diversifying agricultural production and agricultural systems. • Preserving genetic strains and agricultural assets. • Sustainably managing marine fisheries and the development of fish farming in

freshwater and saltwater habitats. • Supporting small farmers and the informal agricultural sector to improve the level of

food security. • Maintaining traditional rural farming systems.

4-Support marketing, agricultural trade and food processing.

• Improve the competitive capabilities of the agricultural commodities in the domestic and foreign markets.

• Provide management services and marketing information systems. • Facilitate the movement of agricultural trade • Promote the agro-industries and food competition.

5-Rehabilitation of destroyed agricultural infrastructure and compensation to affected



farmers. • Land and water • Plant production • Animal production • Agricultural marketing

PRDP Programmes: The PRDP includes the following programs:

1- Institutional reform and capacity development 2- Social development and job creation 3- Administration and improvement of services 4- Marketing and food processing 5- Agricultural development and food security

Each program has different proposed projects in different sectors such as land development, marketing, capacity building, food security, livestock development, etc. On-going projects implemented by MOA: The following listed projects are implemented by the MoA in different sectors and supported by different donors:

1. Improving the standard of living of farm households through diversification of crop cultivation and the introduction of global GAP system. (FAO).

2. Water harvesting project. (AFESD) 3. Preserving fresh water sources for the production of feed; resistance to salinity in West Asia

and North Africa. (IFAD, ICBA, OPEC, AFESD) 4. Mediterranean dialogue on integrated water management (EC). 5. Agricultural revitalization action project. (Japan). 6. Strengthen agricultural services in support of sustainable agricultural development in the

Jordan Valley (Japan). 7. Participatory natural resources management (IFAD). 8. Rural development project (AFESD). 9. Emergency support project for olive growers in Salfit. (Norway).

Key Staff:

1- Mr Abdullah Lahlouh – DG for Planning and Policies Department and Extension Rural Development Department

2- Mr Qasem Abdo – DG for Soil and Water Department 3- Dr Zakaria Salawdeh – DG for Land Development Department 4- Mr Ahmad Zakarneh – DG for Administration and Finance Department. 5- Dr Ali Fataftah – DG of Agricultural Research Center

Water and Land in Agricultural Policies and Strategy of MoA



One of the important aims of agricultural policies is to achieve the optimal exploitation of agricultural resources, particularly, land and water, based on economic viability, efficiency, and social equity; to ensure their sustainability; to preserve the environment, and to contribute to achieving food security.

In regards to objectives related to water resources, efficient management of irrigation water to maximize returns per cubic meter of irrigation water can be achieved by adopting the following strategic options : (a) develop and enhance water supplies (rehabilitation of water resources, using non-traditional water for irrigation, building small dams where economically and socially justified, and encouragement of water harvesting techniques and practices); (b) enhance water efficiency by increasing the efficiency of water delivery and irrigation systems. Technical efficiency can be achieved by developing indicative crop-mix planning for irrigated agriculture on the basis of maximizing net returns to water while improving efficiency by adopting supplementary irrigation. Supplementary irrigation allows for substantially higher and more stable yields of primarily rainfed crops and fruit trees, through the application of limited irrigation at critical periods during the growing season. Further improvements in attaining efficient application of irrigation water can be achieved through the promotion of local water markets and enhancement of their efficiency. This will contribute to reduced water prices and to more efficient allocation of water among users. The MOA in cooperation with the Palestinian Water Authority is giving high priority to (a) develop a clear policy and necessary regulations to ensure the transparent and efficient functioning of these markets; (b) strengthen legal and institutional frameworks for water management; (c) intensify and strengthen extension and research activities and the transfer of technology; and finally (d) improve inter-sectoral allocation of water and encourage the investments in water projects In regards to policy objectives related to land resources, optimal exploitation, preservation and increasing the area of agricultural land can be achieved by enhancing availability of agricultural land and halting the deterioration, transgressions; halting the misuse of agricultural land; strengthening legal and institutional frameworks for land management; promoting effective land use planning; and enhancing productivity and sustainable management of agricultural land. Finally, MOA is encouraging the investment in viable agricultural land reclamation projects and this should be accompanied with the intensification of agricultural extension’s activities, technology transfer and the education of farmers and concerned people. The objectives of preserving and developing the natural vegetative cover and wild life has to be integrated with policies related to water and land. Promoting sustainable rangeland management and managing forests and nature reserves are examples of strategic options to achieve the above mentioned objectives. General Directorate of Soil and Irrigation (GDSI) MOA in cooperation with all stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector have identified political, technical, legal, and institutional constraints hindering the optimal exploitation of land and water resources, and subsequent strategic options were proposed to develop and to sustain these resources, taking into consideration all opportunities and possibilities. GDSI has been formulated inside the institutional framework of MOA with clear mandates, duties, and



responsibilities articulated to achieve the promising policies. GDSI, in integration with other General Directorates in MOA, and in cooperation with other governmental and non-governmental institutions, is working to implement the strategic options related to land and water. GDSI consists of four directories: soil, water, irrigation, and laboratories in WBGS. All directorates are working to improve the utilization of these scarce resources by providing technical support and services, by participating in formulating the legal framework (by law and regulation), and by conducting various activities to build the capacities of agricultural engineers and farmers. The integrated planning and works among directories is important in optimizing the water resources allocated for agriculture with the current land use and crop pattern and emphasizing comparative advantages of Palestinian climate to produce high value cash crops. Distinguished highly educated staff members with many years of accumulated experience are working at GDSI. More than 50 employees are working in WBGS. Hereafter are some of the prominent employees:

# Name Education Position Dircorate 1 Kasim Abdo MS in soil DG GDSI 2 Issam Nofel Civil Eng. in Hydrology Director Water 3 Hasan Ashquar Ms in soil & Irrigation Director Irrigation 4 Omar Draghema PhD in Soil Soil 5 Imad Ganmena BSc in Soil Dir.

Deputy Soil



Introduction NARC was established in 1994 to conduct and coordinate agricultural research activities in Palestine. Since then, the center has been the driving force towards agricultural progress and technological advancement. This is very important in view of the fact that agriculture constitutes the backbone of the Palestinian economy, contributing up to 30% of GNP. Therefore, a strong and powerful research center is a dire necessity to achieve our national economical goals, and alleviate poverty amongst the Palestinian farmers who are the most vulnerable in society. NARC is administered by a Director General who reports directly to the Minister of Agriculture, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NARC. However, the final shape and form of the structural framework of NARC is endorsed by the Palestinian Ministers Council. The organizational chart of NARC is attached.

Mission Statement for NARC The mission of NARC is to improve plant, livestock production, and natural resources for the benefit of farmers and other producers. To this end, NARC laboratories and research stations, undertaken by a highly qualified cadre of scientists and backed by modern laboratory facilities, provides specialized technical outputs and services that support and complement the work of agricultural extension and other national research and extension actors.

Major Objectives of NARC The major goal of NARC is to carry out agricultural research directed towards improving agricultural productivity, particularly of high quality products, thus enhancing the chances of meriting Palestinian agricultural commodities both for the local and international markets.

Special attention was given to certain agricultural products which will hopefully constitute the raw materials for a future agro industry. These include fruits for juice extraction, pickling, canning, freezing, drying and various other food processes, including dairy products.

Middle East Water and Livelihood Initiative (WLI)

Palestinian National Authority

National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Palestine




After reviewing and identifying national priorities on a nation-wide scale, the demand for agricultural research becomes much more evident, especially under the constraints and the limitations faced by the agricultural sector at large, particularly the issue of natural resources such as land and water. There is a great need to find appropriate technologies to deal with the challenges of water conservation and the maximize water-use efficiency as well as land use and investigative studies into the possibilities of utilizing marginal waters.

Another important activity on the NARC agenda is in the area of plant propagation by means of methodologies such as tissue culture techniques. A number of products, such as bananas, strawberries and certain ornamental and medicinal plants have been targeted for this type of work.

Special emphasis is given to the area of animal production, including the fishing industry.

An important feature of the center is the olive oil industry. As olive tree ranks high in the economy, research strategies focus on perfecting oil extraction processes of oil from the olive fruit, increasing the shelf life of the product, analyzing the composition of the oil, defining its grading and increasing marketing potentials.

In the strategy of NARC, it has been emphasized that significant activities should be directed towards investigating non-commodity issues such as plant protection, for example organic farming, integrated protected farming soil-less media, compositing, IPM, special attention is paid to biological control including nematodes and other soil borne pathogens.

NARC is also aiming to create a sophisticated information and agricultural data system which will amass all technical data related to agricultural research. The policy and programs for agricultural research of NARC are controlled and recognized according to the strategy of the Ministry of Agriculture which was approved in 1998. Role and Major Responsibilities of NARC NARC has the following major responsibilities:

1. Conduct research that will address the problems of agricultural production in Palestine and

contribute to the development of the agricultural sector. 2. conduct research that addresses problems of natural resource management, in particular

land and water; 3. establish contracts and agreements with international research centers (for the exchange of

expertise and technology, and for training); 4. serve as a consultative body for the MOA in the identification of laboratory and equipment

needs; 5. serve as a focal point for the collection and distribution of information on agricultural

research; 6. analyze and approve research results from the private sector before dissemination to

farmers. 7. building a cadre of scientific staff of the highest quality in specialized subject areas; 8. equipping laboratories to carry out specialized analytical and experimental research;



9. planning, managing, and implementing research programs that respond to the technical problems and specialized agricultural research laboratory needs faced by applied research and extension;

10. establishing the facilities to store germplasm for crops and livestock; 11. Building a library, documentation and agricultural information center for agricultural

research. 12. The Center will function as a scientific and technical resource for applied research and

extension in the Palestine and will complement the applied research and extension to be carried out by extension and other organizations through its more basic experimental research.

13. In addition to providing centralized research laboratories in support of extension and other research initiatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, NARC will engage in additional research on market forces and other socio-economic subjects. Some limited on-station agricultural research related to special production problems will be carried out on land owned by the Center or at experimental stations of extension.

Key Research Directorates NARC has the following major general directorates:

1. General Directorate of Natural Resources Research The Directorate of Natural Resource Management conducts research on the treatment, conservation and management of water, tests on the use of waste and brackish water and plant responsiveness to its use, research on soils including soil classification and mapping, artificial growth media and composting, and environmental studies related to agro-chemical use.

2. General Directorate of Bio-technology Research The Directorate of Biotechnology Research promotes the development of research in order to introduce highly productive crops and achieve food security, develop a well-trained and expert manpower infrastructure for conducting modern research in plant molecular biology and agricultural biotechnology and facilitates technology transfer among scientists of the concerned ministries and agencies. 3. General Directorate of Plant production and Protection Research The Directorate of Plant Production and Protection carries out research on crop races and varieties with characteristics of high yield and pest/disease resistance, integrated pest management, acquisition and conservation of plant genetic resources, genetic improvement of crops through cross-breeding, selection and tissue culture techniques, biological control of pests, and the identification, collection and monitoring of crop pests and diseases. Additional areas of research will include medicinal plant extracts, food processing, the use of agro-industrial by-products, and the improvement of agricultural product quality. 4. General Directorate of Animal Production and Animal Health Research The Directorate of Animal Production and Protection will concentrate on the improvement of animal feeds and fodder, identification, selection and genetic improvement of livestock breeds,

http://www.claes.sci.eg/arc/ri_cl.htm#cent_lab



acquisition and storage of germplasm, research on fisheries establishment, and research responding to new pests and diseases of livestock. These activities of the above research directorates will be supported and facilitated by other directorates; such as the Socio-economic Research Directorate, a Library, Documentation and Information Technology Unit, besides the General Directorate of Administration and Finance.

Part of the projects performed by NARC:

1. NARC headquarters construction (Funded by UNDP). 2. Tissue culture laboratory establishment (Funded by government of Japan). 3. Strengthening Support System Focusing on Sustainable Agriculture in the Jordan River

Rift Valley (Funded by JICA). 4. Program for saving fresh water resources with salt –tolerant forage production in marginal

areas of the WANA region (Funded by ICBA). 5. Using saline water in agriculture (Funded by Danish cooperation project) 6. Biological control for soil born diseases project (Funded by DGF) 7. Red Palm weevil (Funded by Novartis company- Switzerland).

Staff of NARC A core of highly qualified scientists with PhD degrees and extensive experience were employed by NARC with many different related agricultural topics. More than fifty technical and administrative staff with master and bachelor’s degrees already involved in NARC research activities. Contact:

Palestinian National Agricultural Research Center

Address: P.O. Box 209 Jericho-Palestine

Phone: (++970) 02 2321923 Fax: (++970) 02 2321925 E- mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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