Socio-economic aspects of climate change impacts on rainfed agriculture in the Jenin district, Palestine

Other Title(s)

الجوانب الاجتماعية و الاقتصادية لتأثيرات تغير المناخ على الزراعة البعلية في محافظة جنين، فلسطين

Dissertant

Abbushi, Yala Ibrahim

Thesis advisor

Ozerol, Gul
Abu Madi, Mahir

Comitee Members

al-Said, Rashid
Mimi, Ziyad

University

Birzeit University

Faculty

Institute of Environmental and Water Studies

Department

Water and Environmental Engineering

University Country

Palestine (West Bank)

Degree

Master

Degree Date

2017

English Abstract

Agriculture is a crucial sector in Palestine, yet it is vulnerable to climate change.

This is particularly the case for rainfed agriculture.

Since Jenin is one of the largest agricultural cities in the West Bank, it has been chosen as the study area.

Jenin includes the largest variety of rain-fed crops and the high amount of agricultural production imply that families in Jenin can depend on farming to live especially on rainfed, since it provides family needs of food all the year.

They can also sell part of the production to provide cash for other needs.

The social and economic effects of climate change on rainfed farming in Jenin are examined in this thesis.

Earlier studies have shown that rainfed farming in Jenin faces great challenges due to climate change.

This is reflected in the amounts and variety of agricultural production and the income generated from agriculture.

Recently, it was noticed that some agricultural varieties decreased and other crops’ prices increased.

Data was collected using multiple methods such as surveys, interviews, meetings, and field visits.

A questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 120 rainfed farmers in Jenin covering diverse backgrounds.

Data from the questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS20.

The results indicate that about 95.5% of the rainfed farmers realize that there is a change in the climate and they have already adapted to this change by supplementary irrigation, changing the type of crops or the planting date.

The study revealed that the majority of farmers are university degree holders, and agriculture is the only livelihood source for 65% of farmers.

Agriculture is also considered a social standing for 44.3% of farmers.

Therefore, it is concluded that climate change significantly affects the rainfed farmers both socially and economically.

Based on the findings from the questionnaire, there is also a need to improve the information about climate systems and more support for adaptation of agriculture and farmers to climate change.

Main Subjects

Earth Sciences, Water and Environment

No. of Pages

96

Table of Contents

• APA
• MLA
• AMA

Language

English

Data Type

Arab Theses

Record ID

BIM-779347