The Al-Walaja Greenhouse Project
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Please support Cooperation Jackson in sponsoring the Al-Walaja Greenhouse Project.
Al-Walaja is a Palestinian village in the Bethlehem Governorate of the State of Palestine, northwest of Bethlehem.
The Al-Walaja Greenhouse Project is being led by Taha Awadallah. For more detail on the Green House Project see below. Taha has been a long term friend and ally to Cooperation Jackson. Between 2015 and 2017 Taha trained many of our youth and community members in the arts of photography, videography, video editing, storyboarding, and other craft’s documentary filmmaking. This work was in support of a media cooperative that we experimented with between 2015 - 2019.
We are supporting this project because we support the self-determination of the Palestinian people first and foremost. But, primarily because it will help the people of Walaja attain a level of food security and provide much needed jobs and income to several dozen Palestinians, who are highly constrained by the sanctions imposed by the Israeli government. With this project we hope to transcend this isolation and enable the people of Walaja to restore their autonomy and live in dignity.
To ensure the launch of this project and enable it to succeed, we are aiming to raise $40,000 by the end of the year to be able to resource it for a year. Our aim is to enable it with adequate materials to build sufficient greenhouses, water storage facilities, and adequate staffing. To make a donation to this project, you can donate online at https://cooperationjackson.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=547ad38ae4b0fa4e5a5a45cc, click Walaja Project. Or via check to Cooperation Jackson, ℅ Walaja Project in the note. Mail to P.O. Box 1932, Jackson, MS 39215.
Thank you for your support!
Al-Walaja Green House
Al-Walaja is a unique Palestinian village located near Bethlehem and south of Jerusalem, known for its rich agricultural heritage and scenic landscapes. Situated along steep terraced hills, Al-Walaja has a long history tied to traditional farming, with a climate and terrain ideal for cultivating a wide range of crops, including olives, figs, almonds, and vegetables. The village is particularly famous for its ancient olive trees, some of which are hundreds of years old and continue to be central to the local economy and cultural practices.
Al-Walaja has a complex political history, reflecting the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict and shifts in control over the region. Originally a Palestinian village, Al-Walaja was entirely situated within what became Israeli borders after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Following this war, many villagers were displaced, resettling nearby on the West Bank side of their land, which was then under Jordanian control.
After the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied the West Bank, including Al-Walaja’s new location. Since then, the village has faced land annexation, settlement expansion, and the construction of the Israeli separation wall. This wall now nearly encircles Al-Walaja, severely restricting residents' movement and access to farmland. Much of the village’s original land has been appropriated for Israeli settlements and infrastructure, leading to significant losses in agricultural territory.
In recent years, Al-Walaja has become a symbol of Palestinian resilience and the struggle for land rights. Its residents continue to face challenges related to land confiscations, home demolitions, and restricted access to resources, with the village now partly divided between the Bethlehem and Jerusalem municipal boundaries. This division complicates residents' access to services and legal rights, intensifying the difficulties they face in preserving their homes, heritage, and agricultural livelihoods.
Geographical and Historical Background
Nestled in the valleys and hills of the West Bank, Al-Walaja's proximity to Jerusalem has played a significant role in its development. The village covers approximately 4,000 dunams (1,000 acres), though much of this land is now inaccessible to villagers due to expanding settlements and the construction of the Israeli separation barrier. This situation has deeply affected the village’s agricultural activities, as restricted access to arable land and water sources has limited crop production.
Agricultural Practices and Crop Varieties
The village is known for its traditional terraced farming, which uses the steep hillsides to create level planting areas that help prevent erosion and retain water. This technique, passed down for generations, allows for efficient irrigation and cultivation in a region with limited rainfall. Olive farming is particularly notable in Al-Walaja, and the olive oil produced here is of high quality, contributing to the
regional olive oil economy. In addition to olives, locals grow grapes, vegetables, and herbs, using organic methods to maintain the soil’s health and preserve the environment.
Challenges and Resilience
Al-Walaja's agricultural sector faces significant challenges due to political and environmental pressures. The construction of the separation wall has not only reduced access to farmland but has also affected access to water resources, which are vital for sustaining crops, especially during dry periods. Despite these obstacles, villagers have shown resilience by adapting their methods, such as increasing rainwater harvesting and developing alternative irrigation techniques.
Importance of Al-Walaja’s Agriculture
The agricultural heritage of Al-Walaja is both an economic and cultural asset, as traditional farming practices continue to foster a strong connection to the land. This heritage contributes to the preservation of Palestinian rural culture and supports local food security, providing fresh produce to the surrounding communities.
In summary, Al-Walaja is a village where agriculture is more than an occupation—it is a way of life. Despite the numerous challenges, its people have remained committed to sustainable farming, making it a symbol of resilience and continuity in the face of adversity.
greenhouses can be an excellent option for Al-Walaja’s agriculture due to their potential to boost crop yield, protect plants from harsh environmental conditions, and maximize water use efficiency, all of which align well with the region's challenges and opportunities. Here’s why greenhouses could be beneficial:
1. Extended Growing Seasons
Greenhouses allow for year-round crop production, which is valuable in Al-Walaja, where seasonal changes and temperature variations can limit growing periods. With a controlled environment, crops can thrive beyond the typical growing season, allowing farmers to produce multiple cycles of crops each year.
2. Water Conservation
Given that water scarcity is a significant issue in Al-Walaja, greenhouses offer the advantage of reduced water usage. They help minimize evaporation and allow for more precise irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, which conserves water while ensuring plants receive adequate hydration. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in areas with limited access to water resources.
3. Protection from Environmental Stressors
Al-Walaja’s agricultural lands are vulnerable to environmental challenges, including extreme weather, pests, and diseases. Greenhouses provide a controlled environment that shields crops from harsh sunlight, strong winds, and temperature fluctuations, creating a more stable growing environment. They also help protect against pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting organic practices.
4. Maximizing Limited Land Resources
With restricted access to farmland, greenhouses allow farmers to maximize the productivity of the space they do have. They enable vertical farming and higher-density planting, which means more crops can be grown in a smaller area, maximizing output per square meter.
5. Increased Crop Variety and Quality
Greenhouses make it possible to grow a wider range of crops that may not naturally thrive in Al- Walaja’s outdoor conditions. This can lead to crop diversification, which boosts local food security and provides additional income opportunities by supplying fresh vegetables, herbs, and specialty crops to local markets.
6. Economic and Food Security Benefits
By increasing crop yield and diversifying production, greenhouses can help improve the economic stability of Al-Walaja’s farmers. The ability to grow high-demand vegetables, herbs, or flowers could bring additional income to the community and enhance food security by reducing reliance on imported goods.
Implementation Potential
For Al-Walaja, adopting greenhouses could be done with relatively low-tech, cost-effective options that fit the region's resources. Structures like simple hoop houses or polytunnels can be effective without high energy inputs, making greenhouses a feasible, sustainable solution for this agriculturally rich but resource-limited village.
Marketing Greenhouse Products
Marketing greenhouse products locally in Al-Walaja can be effectively done by leveraging nearby communities, connecting with local markets, and utilizing social networks and eco-tourism. Here are some tailored strategies:
1. Direct Sales to Nearby Markets and Villages
Al-Walaja’s proximity to Bethlehem and Jerusalem opens opportunities for direct sales in these nearby cities, where there is demand for fresh, local produce. Farmers could set up regular stalls at local markets or collaborate with small stores that prioritize locally grown products.
2. Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs
Developing a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program allows residents of Al-Walaja and nearby villages to buy "shares" of the harvest at the beginning of the season. This model guarantees income for farmers while providing members with fresh produce on a weekly basis, fostering a loyal customer base.
3. Eco-Tourism and Farm Tours
Given Al-Walaja’s beautiful, terraced landscape and proximity to popular destinations, eco-tourism initiatives could attract visitors interested in experiencing local agriculture. Greenhouses could become part of farm tours, where visitors purchase fresh produce directly from the source. This approach not
only markets the products but also raises awareness about the village's agricultural and cultural heritage.
4. Utilizing Social Media and Online Platforms
Social media offers a cost-effective way to reach potential customers in the area. By sharing stories, images, and updates about greenhouse-grown products, farmers can connect directly with consumers. Additionally, online groups and local delivery services can make ordering fresh produce easy and accessible to a broader customer base.
5. Collaborations with Local Restaurants and Hotels
Many restaurants and hotels in the Bethlehem and Jerusalem areas seek fresh, organic produce to meet the growing demand for high-quality, local food. Partnering with these establishments could create a consistent and reliable market for greenhouse-grown vegetables, herbs, and specialty products.
6. Farmers’ Cooperatives and Collective Branding
Farmers in Al-Walaja could benefit from forming a cooperative that pools resources for marketing, transportation, and distribution. With collective branding, Al-Walaja’s produce could be recognized as a premium product, giving it a unique identity tied to quality and local heritage, which appeals to customers looking for authentic Palestinian produce.
Each of these approaches could help maximize the greenhouse market in Al-Walaja, providing an economic boost while promoting sustainable, local food production.
Conclusion
Greenhouses, therefore, offer a way to harness Al-Walaja’s agricultural potential while addressing the environmental and political constraints that farmers face, providing a resilient pathway toward sustainable, high-yield agriculture.
Taha Mohammad Mahmod Awadallah taha1981@gmail.com
