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Land Use:Built Up Areas
Land Use Ahmad Hammad and Brian Blankespoor
1.Summary and Purpose
This sector uses GIS analysis to synthesize agricultural data in order
to make recommendations on the agricultural land use of the Wadi el-Far'a.
Land units are delineated in hierarchical sensitivity in relation to
agricultural parameters of climate, temperature, to determine different
degrees of value for land use and protection. The most sensitive land
units are recommended for protection. Also, ecological significant areas
and water sensitive recharge areas are delineated. This work is part
of an ongoing investigation of the Wadi el-Far'a that contributes baseline
data and makes recommendations for future research.
Wadi el-Far'a,one of the most prominent wadis in the West Bank, is a
significant agricultural resource. It has ecological as well as landscape
diversity from source to mouth. It provides significant amounts of water
to the inhabitants of the region, who use it both for household needs
and agricultural irrigation. It is important to consider land use, since
it describes and documents the human-environmental dynamics and relationships.
This can make sense of the past, analyze the present, and project for
future planning and protection.
This sector aims to make recommendations on planning and protection
on Wadi el-Far'a with an emphasis on agriculture. The study will concentrate
on the following topics: land use, crop water requirements, crop production,
land unit description and final analysis while integrating information
of geology, soil, and climate outlined in the Natural Environment sector.
2. Methodology
In accordance with GIS, two main categories of methods are outlined: non-spatial and spatial. The first method obtains data by field measurements, data collection from different sources and the utilization of these data into formulae to develop further derivations of innovative relationships and recommendations for future developmental activities. Second, the spatial methods apply the Geographic Information System (GIS) by the creation of compiled data layers. The spatial data are mainly obtained from secondary sources, i.e. Ministry of Planning (M OPIC), ARIJ, PCBS and Israeli surveys of soil as well as geology. We hope this information will be adopted into the planning and development of the area to achieve the highest degree of conservation and sustainability. A. Non-Spatial Data
Described in respective order, the non-spatial data include: water balance
and crop water requirement. The Thornthwaite method is used to calculate
the potential Evapotranspiration (ETp). ETp is defined as the evapotranspiration
from a reference healthy and fully cover crop (Alfalfa) with a uniform
height and with enough water supply to prevent water stress. Potential
evaporation is defined as the evaporation from free water surfaces under
the prevailing circumstances of the climatic parameters. Soil descriptions
are based on regional field checks utilizing USDA standards for profile
description. Water Balance is defined in this report as the measured
difference between rainfall and evapotranspiration.
Crop water requirement (ETc) is defined as the depth of water needed
to meet the water loss through evapotranspiration of a non-diseased
crop which is growing in a large field under non-restricting soil conditions
(soil water and fertility status), and achieving potential production
under the given soil, water and environment circumstances.
The calculation of ETc depends on the following equation:
ETc = Kc * ETp -------------------------------------------(1)
Where
ETc : evapotranspiration from a specific crop
ETp : evapotranspiration from a reference crop
Kc : crop coefficient
ETp can be calculated using the modified Penman-Monteith equation which depends on available climatic parameters (Solar radiation, wind speed, soil heat flux, temperature and relative humidity). This equation has been programmed through a software called CROPWAT by FAO and one can calculate ETp using the available climatic data. Kc values are provided according to the different growth stages and crops by FAO. Depending on the available climatic data for Wadi el-Far'a provided by the Palestinian weather station, ETp has been calculated for each month of the year.
B. Spatial Data
A Geographic Information System stored all the data. The geographic
extent of the project and the study area delineation are defined in
the IT sector (See IT Sector Report). Land Unit description regions
and area calculation are demarcated by the GIS. First, the Land Unit
description is determined by the following GIS data layers: climate
zone and soil type (See Natural Environment Sector). Second, the area
is calculated in the GIS by the calculation area function to analyze
the land use.
C. Spatial Analysis
There are four main subjects where spatial analysis is applied: land
unit description, agriculture (MOPIC, 1998a), ecological significant
areas (MOPIC, 1998b), and water sensitive recharge areas (MOPIC, 1998c).
They are discussed in respective order.
The Land Unit descriptions give a more detailed description of the
wadi. It emphasizes the parameters of the landform patterns, the parent
material, slope, relative elevation, temperature, and moisture regimes
of soils (USDA deifintion). The classification of the land units, "Factors
affecting management practices and plant life" are also mentioned
specially for the larger land units into the area.
Agriculture
The main objective of this study is to identify areas of different degrees
of value for
agricultural future land use and protection. The study concentrated
on two major issues for achieving the land value classification in accordance
to agricultural land use. They are the following:
-
Potential of the land for agricultural uses or suitability for cultivation (cultivable land)
-
Current cultivation or agricultural land use status (cultivated versus not cultivated).
Each main parameter has been given a ranking according to its weight and importance. The suitability analysis of the land depends on criteria for assigning the different land categories with regard to its potential for agricultural land use, whereas the value of the land with regard to the status of cultivation depends only on whether the land is currently cultivated or not, the latter has been given a lower weight of importance. The synthesis resulted in categorization of the two main parameters in terms of values or importance for agricultural land use and necessity for protection, which is important for future development of the agricultural sector. This constitutes the basis for the final classification where a two-field matrix describing the sensitivity of each field is applied. Also, the assessment will differentiate between two types of land uses (bare and cultivated), giving more attention to the currently cultivated areas.
Most of the data used in the classification of different criteria for
the suitability to agriculture is descriptive in genre and was collected
from different sources. Agricultural data was gathered and refined in
cooperation with the Departments of Agriculture in the West Bank.
Classes for cultivable land (land suitability for agricultural purposes)
are identified according to broad and multiple criteria utilizing a
framework of international standards. These criteria include:
-
Soil type,
-
Soil depth,
-
Soil texture,
-
Infiltration rate,
-
Topography (slope aspect and ratio),
-
Rainfall,
-
Potential Evaporation,
-
Availability of water resources for development,
From a practical point of view, and in order to facilitate the classification of different soil associations to different types with regard to different limitations and soil textures for the agricultural purposes, the term Suitability Class will be used.
For example, a soil class, in general, can be defined as the order of an object (in this context it is the soil) to a particular use (agricultural purposes) with accordance to certain criteria specified (in this situation these are the limitations found in the soil and the soil texture).
Consequently, Soil Class I corresponds to that type of soil which has
the least limitation and the best soil texture, whereas Soil Class III
is related to the type of soil which has highest limitation and bad
soil texture.
The same method will be applied for the previously mentioned parameters
for final assessment of the classification.
The overall classification of the value of the land for agriculture and the degree of necessity for protection result in three major classes which are:
-
Grade 1 is the areas that correspond ghly valuable agricultural areas with minimum limitations. These are the areas that should be assigned for future conservation and protection for sustainable agricultural land use. The necessity of laws and regulation for the protection of such lands are vital.
-
Grade 2 is the areas with moderate value to agriculture. For such areas, two major things have to be done, the first is sound and well management plan for future development, in this regard, an Environmental Impact Assessment or at least an Environmental Check would be very important, and secondly, more detailed studies for assigning the sensitive elements that restrict these areas in this category.
-
Grade 3 is those areas with minimum value to agricultural purposes due to severe restrictions. In such areas, developmental projects can be done provided that a Quick Environmental Check should be developed for such areas.
Ecologically Significant Areas
This study synthesizes a combination of literature review and field
survey information. In cooperation with Hebron University and An Najah
National University (1999), the study determined areas of ecological
importance to be protected from development based on the identification
of endangered species of fauna and flora. It is notable that all the
areas that have been declared by the Israelis as nature reserves and
forested areas have been put under a certain degree of protection.
Water Sensitive Recharge Areas
For the purpose of classifying groundwater recharge areas in the West
Bank, a series of selection criteria are identified (See below). These
criteria are mainly related to the surface features which have direct
influence on water percolation from the surface into the subsurface
and the sources of water recharge such as precipitation. It was assumed
that precipitation (diffuse recharge) is the major source of groundwater
recharge. Therefore, it was considered one of the determining factors
in the current classification.
The second determining factor was the lithology of the surface deposits,
i.e. the composition (materials) of the surface deposits and their porosity
status (primary and secondary) which controls water infiltration from
both precipitation and other water bodies as well as infiltration of
pollutants (See Geology Sector).
Other factors like hydrogeological characteristics of the formation,
depth of water table and water quality are also important in the context
of protecting important recharge areas. The classification of recharge
areas were based on a number of criteria. These are the following:
The area has been divided into a number of recharge sub-areas which
have been classified as:
-
Highly Sensitive
-
Locally Highly Sensitive
-
Sensitive
-
Moderately Sensitive
-
Not Sensitive Areas
Furthermore, other areas were defined as areas that need to be protected
such as Dead Sea Coast and the Alluvial Aquifer in the Jordan Valley.
The recharge areas are classified in accordance with the selection criteria
mentioned earlier. The level of sensitivity is determined by evaluating
each area according to the different criteria.
3 Conclusions
The land use, crop water requirements, crop production and water use
efficiencies data are discussed and then synthesized in spatial analysis
in three categories: agriculture, ecology, and water sensitive recharge
areas.
The land use analyzed the built-up areas and then described eight land
units in the Wadi el-Far'a.
A. Land Use
In the built-up areas the GIS portrays the spatial area distribution of land according to type and affiliation with Israeli or Palestinian populations. Table 5 depicts that the Israelis are using more land in the study area. The Israeli land uses are various. For example: forested areas have been designated as nature reserves, but ultimately these lands are under Israeli control and the Palestinians are prevented from using or benefiting from such lands. The area controlled by the Israelis is almost three times that of the Palestinians as shown in the previous table.
The crop water requirements provide baseline data to compare the requirements and availability of water in the wadi. Although it does not need irrigation for the whole period of the year, it seems that farmers are consistent in tradition and are more apt to apply the maximum available amount of water to ensure high production. In some months of the year, especially those with rainfall, the farmers do not need to irrigate citrus, which will save water for other purposes. It is well known that the new techniques can save at least 30% of the irrigation water through the reduction of water losses by conveyance system as well as evaporation from soil surface. Besides, modern irrigation systems increase the productivity and quality of crops, because the improved scheduling of irrigation quantities and times result in better and more efficient use of available water.
To do so, extensive field research on crop water needs in different months associated with monthly available rainfall have to be done so that we can identify exactly the net amount of water needed for irrigation in each month for different crops, especially for those that are consuming a large amount of water (citrus, wheat, dates and melons). In addition, a cost benefit analysis and studies for different crops associated with the cost of water at different months should be achieved so that we can compare the results for the same crop at different locations of the West Bank. This will enable the identification of the most profitable, efficient and suitable cropping patterns for each area of the West Bank
. Because of the lack of specific local information on the type of crops, yield and productivity of each type of cultivation, the study was conducted on a district level and not a local one. Ambitious future detailed assessments will need type of crop, productivity of each specific location (El-Far'a, An Nassariya, al Aqrabaniya and Frush Beit Dajan); furthermore, it will need some other criteria to be incorporated into the classification, i.e. amount and type of fertilizer as well as water used, land preparation needs, pesticides and other chemicals used.
The assessment depends to a large extent on soil, which is considered one of the major resources for the agricultural production since it constitutes the nutrient reservoir for providing proper plant growth. The soil is also working as the main support and fixing agent to the plants body. The cultivation of annual leguminous crops (ex. Hedysarum ssp.) may have a positive effect on soil protection during fallow years and its feasibility should be subjected to experimentation.
The Water Use Efficiency (WUE) is spatial data that acknowledges the crops, climate, soil, and geology diversity in the Wadi el-Far'a. The WUE can give beginning background data to specific spatial recommendations for farmers in developing the crop pattern for the wadi.
In the Land Unit descriptions, it is notable to consider the local physical characteristics in determining land use. First of all, the following three land unit descriptions are the most important irrigated areas within close proximity of the Wadi el-Far'a: Cultivated Undulated Plains, El-Far'a Valley, and Permanent Cultivated Low Plains. Second, the other land units give spatial location and insight into their relative responses to various characteristics pertitent to development. In the Cultivated Summit Surfaces land unit, conservative agricultural techniques are highly recommended in order to reduce run-off and to improve water infiltration. Among suggestions which can be applied by farmers without external support are ploughing along contour lines and ploughing the surface during fallow years in order to improve the rate of infiltration. Terracing the edges of the summit surfaces where the surface is more inclined should be taken into consideration. In the Cultivated Rolling Hills land unit, it is notable that terraces are responsible not only for stability and the productivity of the slopes but also for the security of the downstream reducing the run-off and preventing flooding in the more valuable lands located in the downstream. Based on these considerations, maintenance of terraces can not be left only to the initiative of farmers but it should be the object of regional and watershed level land conservation programs. In the Uncultivated Hills land unit, reclamation of slopes for agricultural purposes is definitively not feasible nor under technical neither economical point of view. Reducing grazing pressure to sustainable level, in order to give the nature the chance to reestablish a more diversified and continuous natural cover, is a condition for any attempts of ecological rehabilitation of the area. Finally, the land unit descriptions depict useful information for planning agriculture, ecological sensitive areas and water sensitive recharge areas.
B. Agriculture
Valuable agricultural areas are delineated by a certain combination of land suitability and cultivation status. The highly valuable agricultural areas have a high suitability for agricultural uses and at the same time they are currently cultivated (Fig. 19). The area assigned with high value should be prevented from random developmet and should be as much as possible conserved only for agricultural use. For areas with moderate and low needs to be protected, we suggest well planned developmental activities in these areas. For this to be achieved, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or at least Environmental Quick Check (EQC) should be applied in areas where developmental activities is planned to be done.
A legislative approach of setting rules, laws and regulation to protect them, when coupled with public awareness, input, and support can be an affective method of protection.
C. Ecologically Significant Areas
While this project lays down the first layer of knowledge about the areas of ecological importance in Palestine, the process of evaluation should not stop at this point. In a land in which one can drive from the desert of the Jordan Valley to the fertile highlands in thirty minutes time, those areas which are ecologically sensitive need to be researched and and focused on an extensive scale that will enable their protection.On this background, there is increasing concern for the immediate protection of Palestinian natural resources, of which the conservation of biological diversity (fauna and flora) must occupy a high priority. Consequently, the main objective of this task is to identify areas of ecological importance in el-Far'a area which should be protected through measures and regulations that will restrict random development.
In order to achieve this, a combination of literature review and field survey was applied.
Many of the areas that were identified happen to coincide with forests or Israeli declared Nature Reserves. Often these Nature Reserves cover a much larger area than warranted. In other cases, environmentally important areas are left out of current Israeli zones of protection. Nevertheless, all existing Nature Reserves and forests should be protected according to the Oslo II-agreement. In addition, the area seems to have an especially sensitive ecological equilibrium, since the greatest variation in soil types and vegetation units were found here at short distances.We suggest that these guidelines compose the basics for efficient use of these area along with protection. As an example, the guideline can suggest the use of these areas as an OPEN ECO- EDUCATIONAL and RECREATIONAL CENTER, that will take into consideration both efficient use as well as conservation needs of such areas.
D. Water Sensetive Recharge Areas
The sensitive water recharge areas reveals different categories, they range from highly sensitive to not sensitive. The presence of regulations and laws that prevent certain developmental activities in areas of high sensitivity is important. A guideline can also be useful, especially when it includes a set of industrial activities that are prohibited in these sensitive areas. A general outline for EIA parameters, standards and procedures to be followed up is essential. In addition, alternatives for other non-sensitive areas for the application of certain industrial and developmental activities is also needed, so that the developmental process of the Wadi el-Far'a area can not stopped. A continuous process of ground water monitoring and analysis for quality control is important, so that any detection of water quality deterioration will be signaled, problems identified and their solutions implemented.
Built Up Areas- Farah Ghalib
This report includes a comprehensive
study of the built-up areas within the Wadi Al-Far'a. It concentrates
on each area's features, some of the problems faced by the inhabitants
and provides some possible recommendations that ensure sustainable development
in the future.
This sector is vital within the context of the whole project as it can
be used in the future planning of this region. In addition, it includes
a section on the Bedouin communities of this wadi. This is one of the
only studies concerning Wadi Al-Far'a that focuses on these communities.
The Wadi Al-Far'a region is considered to be one of the most important
regions in Palestine. However, it is a region that faces a lot of suffering.
Not only is it a region without an electricity network and a sewage
system, but there are also not enough schools and clinics to provide
the inhabitants with their essential needs.
One of the main causes of these problems is that most of this region
is under Israeli control. In addition, the region lacks the planning
schemes at both the regional and local levels that are necessary for
development. More over, most villages do not have a solid infrastructure
because of the obstacles imposed by the Israeli control.
These problems were the motivation behind this study.
This sector was unique in the fact that only one person,
Farah Ghalib performed all the tasks for this sector. A list of terms
were developed by Farah and other team members to achieve a well-known
standard for terms. At the same time, the report was limited to several
aspects of Built-up areas, such as: population, number of buildings,
households, coordinates, area, general occupational careers, existence
of health clinics, sewage systems, water networks, public electricity,
and number of mosques, as well as any unique characteristics to the
locality. A detailed study of each locality could not be made due to
the problems with Israeli checkpoints in the region. Jennifer Moorehead,
with Save the Children Organization, has begun studying each locality
in greater detail than this study. As she is only beginning, at the
time of our communications with her, only one locality had been fully
studied, of which the details can be seen in Appendix C.
The data was primarily collected through personal fieldwork, consisting
of face-to-face interviews, photography, video-recording, note taking,
as well as retrieving data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics
(PCBS). Farah would spend many visits to the Wadi el-Far'a, including
many overnight trips with the other Palestinian team members who camped
in the area. For most of the time, notes were the main form of documentation
of local people, culture and infrastructure. A video camera was used
in the beginning to help reveal pertinent areas of interest and the
local setting to the non-Palestinian team members, who could not view
the Wadi el-Far'a with their own eyes. Maps were also essential in determining
the location of many of these built-up areas. Existing maps were used
to find the general area of each built-up area, and detailed confirmation
and correction of these maps produced the built-up areas now known.
Data was collected on an Excel spreadsheet, (Appendix A, Table 1) and
from there was transferred into map format for better analysis. For
the first time in this area, the Bedouins were studied objectively;
Farah used a similar spreadsheet (Appendix A Table 2) but this data
was primarily taken as written observations and comments.
III. Conclusions
Understandably, statistics have many shortcomings, but some major information
can be detailed here. One of the most serious problems is the high incidence
of untreated illnesses caused by thee combined effects of (1) the dearth
of health clinics, (2) the lack of hygiene and pollution in local education
curricula, and (3) very poor waste management.
Second, a major lack in publicly funded and controlled systems, from
water and electricity to sewage treatment leave many people living without
adequate services.
The environmental situation reveals many problems due to the poor sewage
disposal system. Groundwater, surface water, and the air have all been
polluted due to these inadequate sewage systems, but this will be discussed
further in the pollution sector. As the population is so small the people
are so dependant on water for agricultural needs, a plan to begin remediation
of the environmental damage caused by these sewage systems.
It can also be noted that the origins of the people within the Wadi
el-Far'a varies greatly, as could be seen from the Bedouin culture.
Another observation that has been made is the low enrollment rates in
schools, but even though these rates are so low, many people said that
education is very desired (almost above all).