Trees vs. Desertification

One of the biggest problems in Palestinian agriculture is the desertification of the land. The extremely high temperatures and low amounts of rainfall leaves little space for most plants to survive. The team of Bustan Qaraaqa and MA'AN Development Center found a way of combating this issue and it is through the planting  of trees. Through the large branches of trees, the suns rays are blocked from hitting the soil around the trunk of the tree which leaves the ground more moist. Also with enough trees planted, they begin to block the wind leaving higher humidity levels on the ground. These two factors are enough to stop the desertification of the land and with that issue out of the way it leaves plenty of room for plants to grow. Trees are a great source of foods directly and indirectly as well as a way of preventing desertification.

This tree is known as the Acacia Tortilis. It is an extremely dry land tolerant species which makes it a perfect example of trees to use in Palestine for combating desertification. Its direct products include firewood and timber which creates non toxic wood. Its indirect products include the meat we receive from the goats and lamb which eat the leaves off this tree.

This is a Moringa Peregrina tree. This tree is another example of dry land tolerant species. Everything of this tree from the roots to the leaves are edible and nutritious.  

This tree is called a Ziziphus Spina-Cristi. Like both trees above, this tree is also able to withstand the hot temperatures and low rainfall. Its products are both direct and indirect producing fruits and honey for people to eat. It also makes a good foraging plant for camels, cattle, and goats to feed from.