Description of Challenge
Energy production in unrecognized Bedouin villagesSolution
There were 100,000 Bedouins in the Negev region before 1948. 1 million refugees went to Jordan, some went to Sinai, some went to the center and south of Gaza. And 15,000 were concentrated in 10% of the Negev. Now it is even less, 3.5% of the area of the Negev. Until 1953, 97% of the land was taken away for army bases, settlements, firing zones by the Israeli Government. The land was declared agriculture land where nothing can be built and Bedouin communities mostly considered illegal (53% of people are not recognized). There are 40,000 houses with demolition warning at the moment.
Still, unrecognized villages have a more sustainable way of living. Women have work, in their land.
Energy production is an issue, and each family is paying an average of 800 shekels (200USD) per month for gas.
Small-scale biogas systems convert waste vegetable matter and/or animal manure into methane gas, which can then be used for cooking, heating or lighting. A by-product of the system is high quality organic fertiliser. Such systems can contribute to environmental and economic sustainability by reducing dependence on fossil-fuel gas, firewood and synthetic fertilisers.