Fields of Tomorrow
The war between Israel and Gaza (2023-2024) has served as a distressing illustration of the nation’s vulnerability to emerging crises. This confluence of circumstances mirrors analogous situations witnessed globally.
Even beyond conflicts, the predicted rise in population by 2050, and a continued acceleration in urbanization, there is a critical need to enhance agricultural production by 70% to meet demand. Leveraging Israel’s agricultural technologies and adopting sustainable practices will be key strategies to ensure food security and environmental sustainability in the coming decades, as well as a solution to the country’s instability.
How could the revitalization of agricultural landscape into a productive environment impact urban areas and foster harmony between agriculture and urban living?
Historically, the rapid development of society brought about the distinction between “urban” and “rural” areas, while creating diverse challenges which led to systemic issues affecting economies, cultures, and the environment, at both local and global levels.
The project aims to propose a new dynamic and productive environment that will positively affect human, environmental, and economic aspects, enhancing the city’s nutritional self-sufficiency, while focusing on al-Batuf Valley in the Lower Galilee region, Israel, as its case study.
Sahl al-Batuf Valley, historically recognized for its fertile agricultural lands, holds immense potential for becoming a leading agricultural hub. However, the extended periods of flooding experienced in Sahl al-Batuf encumber its full utilization.
Although it is surrounded by several villages, the connection between man and nature in this area has been declining significantly. Therefore, despite its agricultural richness, the land is not being used to its full capacity.
The methodology of this project is to substantially increase the scope of agricultural activity and enable the expansion of the surrounding villages, with minimal harm to Sahl al-Batuf’s natural landscape, while ensuring an increase in agriculture produce.
