I. The International Center for Training and Development at Maryut
Center for Training and Development for Agricultural
Support Services on New Lands was established in 1969, in Maryut, a town
located on the Cairo-Alexandria desert road, approximately 40 kilometers,
south of the city of Alexandria. It is situated in the heart of the recently
reclaimed areas of the West Delta, in the Nubariya New Land Development
Region.
The Center is well equipped to conduct intensive and diversified
agricultural training programs. It provides the necessary institutional base
for offering the training and demonstration services needed by the new
settlers to become productive farmers in the shortest possible time. Campus
facilities include buildings for practical and theoretical training,
accommodations for up to 500 trainees, administration offices, classrooms,
dining hall, staff residence and recreational facilities.
This project is designed to upgrade and expand the existing infrastructure
of the Center.
While initially oriented to the needs of the Egyptian farmers settling on
newly reclaimed arid lands, the Center will be designed to accommodate
trainees and instructors from countries facing similar development
challenges. The Center may serve as a regional, international training
facility for the exchange of information, ideas, and experience between
people with common interests in sustainable development. Such interaction
will enrich the exchange of skills beyond the confines of a formal training
program. In this manner Maryut can become an effective link for
demonstration, communication and technology transfer, as well as an
instrumental part in the cultural and intellectual exchange between
people.
Agricultural Demonstration Components
To upgrade the quality of agricultural training conducted at the Center,
this project would consist of the following components:
- Establishing a field site of approximately 2.0 hectares plot
equipped with various pressure irrigation systems for demonstration
purposes. This unit represents the land area typically allocated for a
graduate family farm.
- Constructing fully equipped training greenhouses (up to 0.5 hectares)
including controlled-growing tables, and computer-controlled irrigation and
fertilization systems, to enable practical training in computer-mediated
greenhouse cultivation practices.
- Adding a meteorological station with an on-line data gathering system to
instruct trainees on the basics of data collection and analysis while
supplying data to other training activities at the Center.
- Acquiring additional equipment, including at least two computer labs
with 12-15 work stations per classroom, and a central audio-visual system
for classroom presentations.
Regional Information Network
An additional element of the Maryut proposal is the development of a
regional information network originating from GARPAD's central data base. A
program is underway to create a network for agricultural information between
Egypt's main university centers. The Center at Maryut could serve as a
field-level extension station for this network. This system would later be
linked on-line to other similar systems in the region to facilitate
interaction between institutions actively engaged in regional development.
The network would also serve as a support system for policy makers by
supplying data and monitoring advancement of various development
programs.
Center for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurial Promotion
With the growing attention on the role of small businesses and
micro-enterprise sectors in economic development, there exists the need to
promote small business development in rural settlements. Assistance should
focus on developing the institutional structure, by strengthening local
organization, and delivering training and advisory services directly to
small business operators and entrepreneurs.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) have received renewed attention as
an alternative combining both features. SBDCs provide training, advisory
services, and other specialized assistance to small-scale entrepreneurs,
while serving as a hub for information on other resources in the
community.
A pivotal function of the SBDC is to access the policy and regulatory
environment in which small enterprises operate, the cultural and social
characteristics of the client group, and the specific services entrepreneurs
require. Assessments should also identify constraints hindering small
enterprise growth, as well as niches in which small businesses can have a
competitive edge.
The SBDCs should, in addition, focus on developing human resources through
specially designed training programs for particular groups, including
university graduates, women, youth, the unemployed, etc. The International
Center could serve as a headquarters for activities in this area,
including:
- Conducting workshops to introduce the networking component to small
businesses;
- Establishing a Small Business Center to serve the Nubariya development
region;
- Promoting joint projects between small businesses in Egypt, Israel and
other countries of the region.
Estimated Budget for Maryut International Center Activities
| Item |
Cost (in thousand US $) |
Remarks |
|
Computerized learning facilities |
300 |
15 work stations per classroom |
| Audio-visual equipment |
150 |
|
| Computerized information network |
150 |
for greenhouse activities and other production practices and information |
| Greenhouse learning facilities |
220 |
including equipment |
| Open field irrigation demonstration |
85 |
irrigation systems for two-hectare open field demonstration unit |
| Meteorological station |
75 |
computer operated |
| Operational inputs |
200 |
|
| Regional information system |
200 |
|
| Center for small businesses |
150 |
|
| Total |
1,530 |
|
These figures represent best estimates for required capital investments and
some initial start-up operating costs.
II. Belal Village Rural Demonstration Project
General Overview and Project Objectives
Belal Village is located approximately 80 kilometers south of Alexandria and
50 miles north of the Maryut International Center in the new lands
reclamation area. This village is included in Egypt's graduate settlement
program and is scheduled to be inhabited within the coming months. The
project aims at establishing a planned, economically sustainable,
agricultural-based village community.
The objective of this project is to develop a sustainable irrigated
agricultural-based village for approximately 200 families. Irrigated
agricultural production will take place on 1000 feddans of arable land,
based on five-feddan plots. The underlying planning concept combines
developing individual farm ventures with larger group structures of
organized agricultural and agribusiness activities, in order to take
advantage of entrepreneurial incentives and realize economies of scale in
agricultural production. Both individual as well as group and
production-branch oriented activities are promoted within this framework.
The proposed project should be considered as a focal demonstration
development activity that demonstrates sustainable income-generating
activities. This is to be attained through the utilization of appropriate
technologies, improved inputs, post harvest facilities, marketing and
management.
Belal Village Soil Classification
Project Features
Villagers will formulate legal and management systems to establish
cooperatives or producers' associations. Individual rights to the specific
5-feddan land unit allocated to the farmer will be preserved. Larger scale
production operations will involve activities of grouped family holdings in
specialized branch activities, such as tree crops, vegetables, greenhouses,
dairy, etc. Post-harvest treatment, marketing, packaging and distribution
will also be organized as group or partnership activities.
Government Support
GARPAD and other Egyptian authorities will lend administerial and technical
support for a period of 3-5 years. The technical cooperation component will
be based on a specific joint project management unit, focusing on a selected
core of activities in different production branches. Resources of about
30-40 family units will be developed as the initial demonstration core farms
for the overall village development. Other elements of technical assistance
will include support services, as well as training and management courses in
a wide range of relevant topics.
Selection of Candidates
Since the proposed project combines both individual and branch operations,
selection of candidate settlers will take into consideration specific
requirements related to the complex socio-economic nature of the program.
Experiences from past settlement programs in Egypt, Israel and other parts
of the world will be examined and employed in implementation of the
project.
Main Project Components
The proposed production services and infrastructure developments are based
on existing facilities as well as on planned facilities designed in
accordance with Egypt's new land settlements programs.
Planning parameters and conditions
Planned and existing infrastructure and administrative facilities
include:
- Physical location of the village;
- The village's architectural design;
- Municipal and social services;
- Main water supply system (Branch 20);
- Two secondary water supply systems for irrigation, including the main
pump (3 units) and smaller pump units (17 units);
- Individual family land units of 5 feddan each;
- Land parcelation maps;
- Soil type and quality;
- General governmental, institutional and other support systems.
Production and Branch Activities
Production activities will be based on the primary production resources and
infrastructure existing in the village. Economic activities will encompass
agricultural cultivation, agri-industrial enterprises and services which
contribute to the profitability and the value added output of the individual
farmer and the village at large. Main branches include:
- pressurized irrigated agriculture, including greenhouse and
high-tunnel cultivation of fruits and vegetables;
- specialized orchard cultivation;
- animal husbandry, including dairy and small ruminants;
- post-harvest treatment and semi-processing for added value income.
Production activities are envisioned to include a central pilot aquaculture
facility as well as other agricultural support systems to assist
income-generating activities.
Operational group and other centralized or combined enterprise management
systems are recommended to realize economies of scale.
2.1 Water Supply System
Crop cultivation will involve the employment of Pressure Irrigated
Agriculture.
Soils in the project area are primarily sandy soils with pockets of
granulated hard calcium. An initial soil evaluation indicates salinity
levels with E.C. up to 52.6 milimho/cm and an average of 10-15 milimho/cm.
Natrium rates reach 280 mili equivalent/liter and an average Hi/L pH.
Calcium content is at acceptable levels. Further evaluations of soil
conditions at the project site will be conducted. A partial solution to soil
quality can be attained by introducing intensive water bleaching, using
approximately 40,000 m3 per feddan.
Given climatic conditions of the area and the specific nature of soil,
pressure irrigation planning must take into consideration several important
parameters:
- sandy soils require daily irrigation;
- high daily evapo-transpiration of 42 m3/feddan;
- maintaining individual block allocations and parcelation system;
- maximum flexibility in irrigation pattern;
- maintaining existing pumps discharge and main water supply system;
- 21-23 hours per day required pump operation;
- required rate of irrigation for the various crop types:
| Crop |
Rate of Irrigation |
|---|
| Vegetables |
25 mm/h/feddan |
| Tree crops |
3.9 mm/h/feddan |
| Forage |
29.2 mm/h/feddan |
The irrigated area of the project is divided into two, separately serviced
irrigation systems.
The first area consists of 670 feddan supplied by 34 pumps of 45 m3/h per
unit. Of the 670 feddans, 338 feddan are orchards, while 332 feddan are used
for vegetable cultivation. Each pump services a block of 20 feddan. The
irrigation system can be designed to be controlled by a central computer
unit in order to optimize irrigation flexibility and effectiveness through
sequential irrigation at various pre-set intervals.
The second irrigated area is supplied by a different system comprising three
main pumping stations.
- 163 feddan are serviced by a 345 m3/h pump. 60 feddan of these are
used for orchard crops, 23 feddan for a greenhouse complex serving 96 family
units and 54 for vegetable cultivation;
- 214 feddan is serviced by a 471 m3/h pump. 10 feddan are open field
vegetables and 108 feddan orchards;
- 256 feddan serviced by a 644 m3 of which 178 feddan are for fodder
crops and 78 for open field vegetable cultivation.
Total Area Currently Under Cultivation (in Feddan)
| Area |
Pumps |
Orch-
ards |
Green-
house |
Vege-
tables |
Fodder |
To-
tal |
| A |
34 |
338 |
0 |
332 |
0 |
670 |
| B |
1 |
60 |
23 |
54 |
0 |
137 |
| C |
1 |
108 |
0 |
106 |
0 |
214 |
| D |
1 |
0 |
0 |
78 |
178 |
256 |
| Total |
37 |
506 |
23 |
570 |
178 |
1277* |
* (536.7 ha. equivalent)
2.2 Dairy and Sheep Production
The proposed program involves the development of approximately 40 family
dairy units. This represents a core herd of about 400 milkers and 250-300
heffers and other young stock. Each individual farm unit will be comprised
of approximately 10 milkers and 7 younger stock. At full development, each
unit will require fodder supply drawn from the available 5 feddan irrigated
area as well as supplementary feed.
The proposed dairy units will be geographically concentrated in order to
realize economies of scale. Dairy units will be located adjacent to the
village, to ensure proximity of the farmer's dwelling to the dairy unit.
Production activities will include milking and feeding facilities (
approximately 150 m2) as well as a milking system line or portable machine
(fenced area 100-150 m2).
Phased development is proposed. Each unit will initially have a core dairy
herd of 5 milkers and 3-4 younger cattle. At this initial stage, feed
requirements will be met by 1300-1500 tons provided by the land units.
Production output at this stage is estimated at 3000 liter per milker and
2-3 heads for meat production.
At the second stage, central feeding services to provide supplemental
feeding needs will be established. Annual production at this stage will
increase to 5000 liters per milker. Feed requirements are estimated at 3000
ton dry matter from local and other sources. Centrally produced feed will be
based on 100 feddan corn, 35 feddan alfalfa and 30 feddan fodder beet.
Required supplementary food supply will come to approximately 15,000 tons of
grain annually.
Central Feeding Center
This facility will be developed according to the supplementary feed needs of
the herds. At full capacity, it will include:
- Two surface silos of 1000 ton each;
- Feed mixing machine;
- Open shed storage for 150 tons;
- Bridge weight;
- Two tractors;
- Grain storage facilities (5-6 units);
- Office facilities.
This feed center could support a herd of approximately 650 milkers and 450
heifers and other young stock.
Sheep Unit Development
Family units for sheep production would be based on live stock of 80-100
mothers for meat production. Feeding requirements and continuous production
operations will require infrastructure investments on a scale similar to
that of the proposed dairy herd development.
2.3 Aquaculture Project
This project component is comprised of a centrally operated village fish
production facility. It will require about 5 hectares of land and will
produce fish from a water surface of approximately 2 hectares.
Two production alternatives can be employed:
- Extensive production with an output of 50 tons of fish and estimated
$150,000 gross sales.
- Intensive production practices, the output of which could reach 150
tons with an estimated $450,000 gross annual sales.
The alternative production practices imply different cost structures,
management practices and know-how. Estimated initial capital investment
comes to $270,000-300,000.
R&D Activities
Options for R&D activities in the fields of bio-gas, solar driven
technologies, waste disposal and recycling systems will be examined.
Production Services
Additional support facilities and services will be developed to facilitate
production and management operations. A production and services center that
can serve both the Belal and surrounding villages is planned. Facilities
will include:
- general servicing and repair shops;
- agricultural inputs sales outlet;
- basic marketing and transport facilities;
- agri-industrial and processing facilities;
- dairy processing and cold storage facilities;
- animal feed center;
- a weekly market and trading center;
- water maintenance and supply services.
The center will initially require a land area of about 3-5 feddan and its
proposed location is adjacent to the village. Additional infrastructure,
including access roads, water, electricity, water supply and waste disposal
systems will be required.
Desert Architecture
A demonstration of low-cost desert housing, employing bio-climatic
principles, can be developed within the framework of the Belal Village
project. These principles aim at improving the living conditions both in and
outside buildings by utilizing the natural characteristics of the desert
environment: intense solar radiation, clear atmosphere, low humidity, large
diurnal amplitude of temperatures, etc. Improved conditions, particularly
thermal conditions, can be attained through careful design of the housing
complexs as well as through the specific site-dependent building design that
may be interwoven with the design of the model complex.
Within the Belal Village, selected units can be upgraded to serve as
prototypes. The project would involve collaboration between Egyptian and
Israeli design teams. The design procedure will involve technology transfer
between the two teams and will complement Egyptian know-how in this field.
Architectural supervision will be provided by an Israeli consultant.
Throughout the duration of the project two seminars will be held, one in
Egypt and one in Israel, at the Center for Desert Architecture and Urban
Planning, where most of the Israeli architectural work and research related
to arid land development has been carried out. These seminars will focus on
various aspects of desert construction and community design, including
low-energy techniques for improving comfort conditions.
Special attention will be given to particular Egyptian needs, both in terms
of the social objectives of the Belal Village project and in terms of the
cost and size of the buildings. An emphasis will be placed on low -cost
housing, utilizing cost-efficient energy saving devices and techniques.
Climate-oriented features to the buildings will not raise the cost to a
level that would be unsuitable for potential dwellers.
Upon completion, data from the protype units will be monitored, studied and
analyzed and conclusions will be disseminated between architects and
designers in Egypt, Israel and other arid lands countries. Analysis of the
data will include formulation of design guidelines for similar
settlements.
Alternatively, a desert architecture demonstration site could be planned and
prototype units built at another location.
Economic and Financial Aspects
The proposed project aspires to reach sustainable farm gate prices and
income levels. Income levels are expected to allow for operational costs and
debt servicing. Estimated income levels will vary, reflecting the different
agricultural branches proposed in the project.
Estimates of Required Investment in Main Infrastructure and
On-farm Development
|
Components |
thousand US$ |
| 1.
| Pressure Irrigation Infrastructure
|
| 2,045
|
| main pipe system
| 275
|
|
| filtration system
| 230
|
|
| other parts
| 15
|
|
| Branch Surface Pressure System forage
| 120
|
|
| greenhouse
| 81
|
|
| vegetables (open)
| 1154
|
|
| tree crops
| 170
|
|
| 2.
| Automation
|
| 880
|
| basic
| 173
|
|
| improved
| 268
|
|
| fully computerized ($2,400/unit)
| 612
|
|
| 3.
| On-farm Development
|
| 3,780
|
| tree crops
| 500
|
|
| dairy/sheep
| 880
|
|
| greenhouse
| 2400
|
|
| 4.
| Support Services
|
| 990
|
| feed center
| 210
|
|
| dairy processing
| 180
|
|
| post harvest & marketing
| 250
|
|
| aquaculture
| 300
|
|
| other activities
| 50
|
|
| 5.
| Desert Architecture Housing
|
| 210
|
| 6.
| Miscellaneous and Contingencies
|
| 450
|
| Total
|
| 8,355
|
III. Plan for Sub-regional Development in the Nubariya Region
For the past 15 years, Israel and Egypt have been cooperating in the
Nubariya Region, particularly at Nubaseed and the Abu-Masuad Center, under
bilateral and trilateral arrangements. The focus of cooperation has been-in
the field of R&D and operational development programs for intensive
agriculture in arid ecosystems, with particular emphasis on vegetable and
fruit production.
Discussions are presently underway on how to utilize accumulated know-how
and experience in order to develop a sub-regional settlement program for
graduates, small and medium-scale farmers in the Nubariya Region. Joint
Egyptian-Israeli experience on arid zone agriculture will enable both
countries to cooperate more effectively in planning a sub-regional
settlement program on 150,000 feddan, to be settled primarily by village
organized family farms.
The objective of this project is to prepare a sub-regional master plan,
incorporating the use of GIS and other advanced planning systems, in order
to propose a phased agricultural and rural settlement program based on the
integration of agricultural services and processing industries. This program
will also relate to urban-rural integration within a spatial plan. In this
respect, the selection of the sub-region will likely include the city of
Nubariya and other rural growth centers.
The Sub-regional Development Plan envisages the integration of
public-supported settlement programs and private sector development. The
proposal is in accordance with the policies of the Egyptian government to
promote the distribution of land on the basis of up to 60 percent for
graduate settlements and at least 40 percent to private initiatives.
Major elements related to the Sub-regional Development Plan include:
- Agricultural production and other income generating activities;
- Agricultural services;
- Agri-business and processing facilities;
- Infrastructure development;
- Marketing and distribution systems;
- Education;
- Health services;
- Recreation and community services;
- Human resource development.
The aim of the Plan is to highlight opportunities and development options.
It will specifically detail settlement and agri-business development plans
and projects for priority implementation.
Training activities are programmed to be conducted at the Maryut
International Training Center, linked to training opportunities in Israel at
the Centre for International Agricultural Development Cooperation (CINADCO)
and the Development Study Center (DSC).
The first training program for 25 Egyptian professional studying the
principles of comprehensive regional development was successfully held in
February 1996 at the Development Study Center in Rehovot. Another course of
similar content is scheduled for the latter quarter of this year.
A general development plan may be prepared within a 9-month period. It is
estimated that $500,000 will be required for drafting the Plan, the duration
of which will be one year.
Implementation of the Sub-regional Development Plan will require
multilateral financial support for infrastructure and on-farm
development.
IV. Enrichment Training and Society Building Programs
Joint Egyptian-Israeli agricultural training programs have been operating
since the 1980s. In the 1990s, these activities increased significantly
given their contribution to Egypt's rural development initiative. Funding of
$1,200 for 1997 activities has been secured under a trilateral agreement
between Israel, Egypt and Denmark.
Further funding is required in order to extend training activities to meet
the immediate needs of graduates involved in the resettlement program in
Nubariya. A joint GARPAD-MASHAV enrichment program, targeting graduates from
a selected farming area on the new lands and students from agricultural
faculties located in Alexandria is proposed. These courses will be designed
to train participants as local field trainers. Upon completion of the
course, participants will be able to impart concepts and skills to other
leading farmers. This approach creates a high multiplier effect, while
enabling the settlers to learn from their neighbors and friends within a
classroom setting, as well as in the field.
Joint Egyptian-Israeli training programs focus on an integrative approach to
rural development. Courses include practical training in instituting modern
practices in arid land farming, society building and community enrichment,
entrepreneurship and small business development.
Both theoretical and practical skills are emphasized, including soil and
water management, crop varieties and diversification, specifically developed
to produce high yields in arid and desert agriculture, computer-controlled
agricultural technologies and specialized courses in farm management.
Appropriate technologies and support services will also be introduced.
Courses on the establishment and management of small business enterprises
will benefit both farmers and other settlers in creating commercial centers,
agri-industrial enterprises, and locally-based business related services.
Professional courses aimed at developing social and community services will
complement economic programs, providing a basis for comprehensive rural
development in the new settlement areas.
The program will be implemented primarily in Egypt, through the Maryut
Center. In addition, it will include the participation of an agreed-upon
number of selected trainees in specially designed MASHAV training courses in
Israel.
General Courses in Rural Development
One example of a general course in the development of rural settlement areas
is given in the box below. Other general courses include a seminar on
agricultural economics and marketing and a practical training course on the
integration of pressure irrigation in vegetable cultivation (see Appendix
Two).
These courses combine academic instruction in general subjects such as
marketing, export processes, hydrology and soil sciences with practical
exercises in relevant topics. In the course on agricultural economics, for
example, the trainee is introduced to the fundamentals of agricultural
planning and marketing, and acquires practical planning skills at the farm
level. The course on irrigation and vegetable production involves
theoretical studies on the relations between soil, water and plant
development, as well as a series of practical exercises and projects
regarding production and irrigation practices.
Joint Israeli-Egyptian Training Course:
"Development of Rural Settlement Areas"
Objectives
To train Egyptian professionals for the preparation of sub-regional
development projects in the framework of national objectives and regional
programs. The course introduces trainees to the "Rehovot Approach" to rural
development and equips them with the tools and techniques for project
planning, implementation and evaluation.
Course Elements
The course stresses the need to consider inter-sectoral interactions
(agriculture-industry-services), as well as integrating economic, social,
environmental and organizational aspects in development planning.
It will be divided into two stages:
- A preliminary, theoretical stage, based upon classroom work and
field trips carried out in Israel at the Development Study Center (DSC),
Rehovot.
- An applied field work stage carried out in Egypt, in a sub-region
to be decided upon at a later time.
Course Outline
- Principles of the "Rehovot Approach" to rural development
- Integrated Sub-regional Development: Strategy and Planning
Methodology
- Economic, social, environmental and organizational aspects of
planning
- Agricultural sector planning
- Industrial sector planning
- Services sector planning
- Techniques of Analysis and Planning
- Project formulation
- Economic and financial analysis of projects
- Data collection and statistical analysis
- Project presentation
- Computer application
- Field Work Stage in a Selected Area in Egypt
- Background briefings
- Data collection
- Data analysis and project formulation
- Project presentation
Specialized Courses
In addition, specialized courses can be given within the framework of the
enrichment program in related areas of arid land agriculture and desert
settlement. These can include:
- crop science:
crop production in semi-arid zones,
post-harvest
storage and physiology, genetic improvement of cultivated species,
introduction and selection of new species for semi-arid zones, plant
adaptation to environmental stress, influence of stress on the activity of
plant cellular and sub-cellular systems.
- rangeland and forest management:
establishment of
perennial pasture by
introduction of drought resistant perennial shrubs and herbaceous species,
pasture resource management, reforestation with multi-purpose tree
species.
- animal husbandry for dairy, poultry and small
ruminants:
physiological
responses of desert animals, livestock production in the desert, energy and
water budgets of desert animals, reproduction and endocrinology, veterinary
medicine.
- water resource development and management:
runoff
agriculture,
use of
brackish and saline water resources in agriculture and forestry, microbial
treatment of wastewater reservoirs and polluted aquifers.
- desert biosystems:
alternative production systems for
arid lands,
utilization of brackish water sources, protective structures and
environmental controls to produce alternative crops, such as fish, algae,
and out-of-season greenhouse crops.
- desert meteorology:
including measurement of solar
radiation,
precipitation processes, the interaction between dust and climate, the
influence of land surface processes on climate and atmospheric pollution.
- solar energy technology:
including topics such as
measurement and
analysis of solar radiation, the design of electric power producing systems
(photovoltaic and solar-thermal), and maintenance of solar collectors and
other equipment. The Ben Gurion National Solar Energy Center, adjacent to
the Institute, is an experimental facility and testing ground for various
state-of-the-art solar power generating systems
- village cooperation:
a course focusing on social
aspects of development
of arid lands, with an emphasis on the cooperative organization of support
services. This course addresses issues faced in many developing nations in
Asia and Africa.
- vegetable and horticulture production practices and
management:
both for
irrigated open field and greenhouse conditions;
- pressure irrigation systems:
practical aspects of
improved irrigation
systems, efficient water use, water-soil-crop relations, crop production
practices and soil management.
Desert Architecture
Training activities in desert architecture can be held in both Israel and
Egypt. The Center for Desert Architecture and Urban Planning (DAUP) has
established a demonstration project at Sde Boker focusing on urban and
building design tailored to desert conditions. To support activities
proposed in Egypt, seminars, workshops and training design studios can be
held. Theoretical topics covered in these workshops and seminars include:
- Assessment of available desert construction technologies in the
Middle East and North Africa;
- Building and urban design for the desert, with special focus on
providing improved comfort conditions through the use of low-energy
techniques;
- Evaluation and introduction of building materials that can be
used for increasing thermal comfort in buildings and urban spaces;
- Design methods and tools, including computer software, graphic tools,
for improved design for desert conditions;
- Monitoring and data analysis techniques from existing buildings and
urban environments;
- Formulation of design concepts for various patterns of urban
housing.
Society Building
The development of human resources is an important condition for economic
progress and society building. Success of the settlement program is possible
only if communities function well socially to advance the general welfare of
all its members. Additional projects will therefore be designed to include
such enrichment programs as:
Community Educationm
Community education can be said to make two primary contributions to the
social and economic development of a country. As a supplement to general and
specialized formal education, the programs provided through community
centers, community schools and similar institutions, contribute to the
overall development of human resources. Moreover, they help solidify ties
between individuals and the community. In addition to cultural enrichment,
community education programs can provide the platform for promoting
citizenship and youth leadership, fostering involvement in local development
and implementing other social projects. They can provide a wide array of
programs for residents of settlement areas (see Appendix Three).
Some options for community enrichment training programs include:
- management of community and family services;
- management of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs);
- training and supervision of para-professionals;
- early childhood education with emphasis on the family and the community;
- gender and community development; community development and organization
of rural cooperatives.
Training Courses for Community Education Personnel
Courses can be developed for community center personnel in the new
settlements, including subject area coordinators, program counsellors, and
administrative personnel.
Possible course subjects could focus on practical training, including:
- enrichment courses for area coordinators including general
orientation courses as well as courses in various specializations, such as
art, music, sports, pre-school education, etc.;
- training courses for program counsellors;
- courses and symposia for managers and key personnel;
- training courses for administrative personnel.
Women in the Development Process
Courses designed to include women in community development will also be
given:
- Organization and Management of Micro-Enterprises for Small
Communities
- Women's Leadership Training for Community Development
- Income-Generating Projects in a Rural Community
Appendix One:
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification
International commitment to the war on desertification was initially
formulated at the United Nations Conference on Desertification in 1977 in
the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification (PACD). Further deliberations
led to inclusion of the subject in the agenda of the "Earth Summit" held in
Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The Conference recommended the establishment of an
Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC) under the aegis of the UN
General Assembly to formulate an international convention on the subject of
desertification and drought. "Agenda 21", the working document stemming from
the Conference, presents a series of recommendations for dealing with
desertification in the 21st century, including programs addressing problems
of land and water management as well as vital social issues related to
desertification. Since the 1992 Summit, an international Convention to
Combat Desertification (CCD), identifying five areas of global commitment
has been adopted and signed by 150 countries and will enter into force in
1997. Designated areas of global commitment include: research and
preservation, technology transfer and cooperation, capacity building,
coordination with existing conventions, and the use of financial
resources.
The CCD specifies a series of obligations for both affected country and
developed country Parties to the Convention.
- Article 6 of the Convention stipulates that developed countries
undertake to actively support the efforts of developing country Parties to
combat desertification and to promote and facilitate access by affected
country Parties to appropriate technology, knowledge and know-how.
- Article 8 states that the Parties to the Convention will encourage the
conduct of joint projects, particularly in the fields of research, training,
systematic observation and information collection and exchange.
- Policies which and institutional frameworks which develop cooperation
and coordination between the donor community, governments at all levels,
local populations and community groups and which facilitate access to
appropriate information and technology are to be incorporated into the
National and Sub-regional Action programs outlined in Articles 10 and 11 of
the Convention.
- Articles 17-19 deal with the subjects of Research and Development,
Technology Transfer and Capacity Building, Education and Public Awareness.
The importance of developing local skills, developing training and research
capacity, conducting joint research programs, and establishing or
strengthening support and extension services is underscored in these
Articles of the Convention.
Participation by the donor community in programs to further desert
reclamation in Egypt can be said to satisfy obligations undertaken in the UN
Convention to Combat Desertification. Donor countries can co-sponsor joint
Egyptian-Israeli projects in R&D, training and extension programs. These
activities can also be incorporated as part of sub-regional action plans to
combat desertification.
Appendix Two:
Course Profiles for Graduate Settlers Training Program
1. Economics and Marketing in Agriculture
1.1 Aspects of agricultural planning
1.2 Introduction to marketing
1.3 Structure of marketing systems
1.4 Price policies and pricing of agricultural commodities
1.5 The process of agricultural export
1.6 Project preparation for farm planning
- production planning
- production resources and constraints
- calculation of crop budgets
- overall farm planning
- economic evaluation and farm models
2. Vegetable Production and Pressure Irrigation
2.1 Vegetable varieties and production practices
2.2 Soil-water-plant relations
2.3 Salinity problems
2.4 Introduction to soil texture and root zone water balance
2.5 Introduction to irrigation hydraulics
2.6 Pressure irrigation systems
2.7 Drip and sprinkler irrigation practices
2.8 Irrigation and fertilization
2.9 Practical exercises and projects
Appendix Three:
Programming Options for Community Centers and Community
Schools
Infant Care
Community centers can organize pre- and post-natal courses on infant care,
including one-on-one instruction for new mothers at the mothers' homes.
These courses can include general care, infant safety, nutrition, infant
development and recognition of symptoms of potential medical and development
problH4s.
Toddler Education
The centers can operate training courses for play group (4-5 children)
caretakers, as well as organize registration and supervise the operation of
these groups. The play groups are held in the trained caretaker's home on a
daily basis. The caretaker not only participates in basic training and
occasional enrichment courses, but receives toys and educational materials
from the center. These play groups supply child care options for working
mothers in a familial atmosphere, well suited for this age group.
Pre-school Education
In some Middle Eastern countries, pre-school education is not extensive.
Most facilities are privately run and enrollment rates for pre-primary
schools are significantly lower than those for primary schools. Community
centers can operate day-care and pre-schools at the centers. These centers
will not only provide child care for working mothers, but opportunities to
advance early child development and social skills prior to enrollment in
primary schools.
Elementary School Supplementary Education
A variety of cultural and sports programs can be developed for primary
school aged children including: Enrichment courses in arts and crafts,
sports, dance, etc.; After-school recreation and homework preparation clubs
and workshops; Day camps during school holidays.
Secondary School Age Education and Social Clubs
Programs for junior and high school age children can carry both educational
and social content. Some of the options include: Youth leadership courses;
Supplemental academic courses (preparation for diploma); Courses teaching
rudimentary job skills such as computer and office skills, baby-sitting and
child care, children's reaction counsellors, etc; Enrichment courses in
sports, plastic and the performing arts; Organization of youth employment
services; Organization of youth exchange programs; First aid and CPR.
Adult Education and Activities
Similarly, the potential uses of community centers for continuing adult
education are both numerous and varied. Some options include:
- Literacy skills;
- High-school equivalency courses;
- Computer skills;
- Special-interest groups and social clubs;
- Foreign language instruction;
- Organization of special cultural events;
- Specialized vocational training for the service sector: tourism, retail
sales, banking, etc.
Senior Citizens
Activities targeted specifically at senior citizens include organization of
activity clubs and volunteer recruitment services. The centers can also
organize assistance programs for house-bound senior citizens.
Community Schools
The concept of the community school was conceived as a way in which to
improve education and student achievements through the involvement of
parents and students in the learning process. Through this involvement,
enrichment courses are introduced both during school hours and as
extra-curricular activities and special events. While different for each
community and for each school, the common denominator in the program is
cooperation between parents, students, school personnel, and even other
community organizations towards a more participatory mode of learning. While
the specific programs developed are beneficial, the participatory process
used to execute these programs is no less important, contributing to a sense
of involvement and creativity amongst participants. The community school
program has met with success both within urban neighborhoods and in more
remote, and sometimes, isolated localities.
In some communities, the school takes on the functions that a community
center would fill in larger urban areas. In addition to specific courses,
community school programs also included projects in which older students
taught younger students, school children interacted with elderly people in
social programs, and parents and students met after school hours at the
"clubhouse" organized by the schools. In some places art exhibitions,
science fairs and other cultural events were organized through the school.
In other instances, the community school format was used to highlight
special topics, such as ecology, or organize community programs, such as
local theater groups, picnics, and other events.
This option for community education does not necessitate large expenditures
in infrastructure, and the initial scope of activities need not necessarily
be comprehensive. Programs based on the community school concept can be
adapted to virtually any community structure or size and can be developed
incrementally in accordance with community needs. The concept can be easily
integrated into rural development schemes such as those undertaken in
Egypt.