Uprooted Livelihoods

Main problems facing the community
Agriculture is the main economic sector of
Marj Na’aje. However, villagers face a variety
of challenges to meet livelihood needs in
agriculture for a number of reasons. The
main agricultural well for the village has
high salinity levels which makes it difficult
to grow diverse crop types. There is also a
lack of access to alternative water resources.
Further, agricultural materials are very
expensive and there is a weak local market
for produce (mainly vegetables and dates).
Due to building restrictions and poverty,
waste disposal is also a major challenge.
The village is not connected to a sewage
system and residents rely on poorlycovered
cesspools that are dangerous to
the community. Sewage overflow frequently
occurs and flows into the village streets and
other open areas.
Finally, unemployment is very high in the
village even though education levels are
above average in the broader oPt. The lack
of accessible land, compounded by minimal
alternative job opportunities, has meant that
high numbers of educated youth have no
employment opportunities.
Facts and figures
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Governorate: Jericho
Population: 800 (340 M; 460 F)
Average household size: 5-8
Total land area (dunums) : 2,030
Accessible land area (dunums): 800
Nearby settlements: Argaman
Main employment sectors: agriculture,
settlements, herding animals, and
government
Average income (per worker per
month)(NIS): 1,500
Percentage of households connected to
a water network: 100%
Cost of water per tank (NIS): 25 NIS for
1 cubic meter, used by herders from
Marj Na’aje
Percentage of households connected to
an electricity grid: 100%
Percentage of households connected to
a sewage system: 0%
Health facilities: 1 public clinic with a
visiting doctor 30 hours per week
Schools: 1 government high school
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