The state of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera)‎ in the Gaza Strip, Palestine : a questionnaire-based study

الملخص EN

The Mediterranean climate provides optimal conditions for growth and development of many cultivars of Date Palms (Phoenix dactylifera).

Numerous uses have been associated with this holy tree in the Middle East countries including Palestine.

The current study aims at documenting different aspects related to the state of the Date Palm sector in Deir El-Balah region in the middle of the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

One hundred and fifty respondents (N=150) were selected randomly to fill a questionnaire especially designed for this purpose.

The results pointed out that 71.4% of the respondents had 3 dunum or less cultivated with Date Palm.

The groundwater was the main irrigation source of Date Palm as claimed by 61.3% of the respondents; the rest depends on either rain water or partially treated wastewater.

The Hayani cultivar is the main cultivar grown by all respondents.

The average production per Date Palm tree was stated by 62.0% of respondents to be from 70 to 200 kg per year.

All respondents were aware of the popular uses and industries associated with Date Palm trees; 70.0% of them produced various household products.

The Israeli military operations and the outbreak of the Red Palm Weevil – RPW (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), along with many others, are crucial threats facing the Date Palm sector in the Gaza Strip.

Moreover, 84.0% believed on advantages drawn by the Date Palm cultivation projects in the Gaza Strip.

Finally, the study recommends the improvement of the processes of Date Palm cultivation, production and marketing to ensure a sustainable development of the Date Palm sector in the Gaza Strip.