Palm Irrigation Users Association in Jericho

Palm Irrigation Users Association in Jericho

The Palm Irrigation Users Association in Jericho represents a pioneering model for agricultural water management in the Jordan Valley. It has emerged as an active and innovative entity addressing challenges of water scarcity and deteriorating agricultural infrastructure. The association was established in response to the urgent needs of local palm farmers, who had suffered from water shortages for years, negatively impacting production quality and agricultural sustainability.

Establishment and Vital Role

The association was founded as an initiative from the private sector, led by local farmers, aiming to organize irrigation water distribution over approximately 8,000 dunums of palm farms in Jericho and the Jordan Valley. It obtained official licensing from the Water Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture and began implementing a large-scale project to deliver water from wells allocated to it through formal agreements.

Infrastructure and Technical Projects

Among the association’s major achievements is the implementation of a pipeline extension project with various diameters, including large 14-inch pipes, designed to efficiently transport water to the farms. The project cost exceeded 4 million shekels, fully funded by the private sector in the absence of direct government support.

In 2022, the association launched a pioneering project in collaboration with Snipe Company to implement an automated electronic irrigation system. This system allows farmers to remotely control water and fertilizer quantities via mobile applications. It relies on artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies and is the first of its kind in Palestine.

Strategic Objectives

• Improve water use efficiency in agriculture and reduce waste.
• Enhance agricultural production quality, especially the dates for which Jericho is renowned.
• Transform semi-arid lands into green areas, boosting environmental and food security.
• Strengthen agricultural independence in Area C regions facing political and economic challenges.

Challenges and Government Relations

Despite the project’s significance, the Palestinian government did not include the association in agricultural clusters, which sparked discontent among farmers. The association’s president, Mohamed Al-Qawasmeh, believes this exclusion stems from the misconception that the palm sector is wealthy and does not require support, while the economic and export reality proves otherwise, especially after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toward a Sustainable Future

The Palm Irrigation Users Association in Jericho represents a successful model of community-based agricultural organization, combining local expertise with modern technology. It reflects Palestinian farmers’ capacity for innovation despite challenges. Today, the association aims to expand its services and connect more farms to the smart irrigation network, ensuring sustainable agriculture in the Jordan Valley.