Building a participatory national consensus on wastewater reclamation and reuse in Palestine

Abstract

Water scarcity is a major constraint for economic and social development and sustainability of the agricultural sector in Palestine. Rapid population growth and increasing dominance of Israeli occupation over the Palestinian water and land resources exacerbate this problem. Wastewater reuse in agriculture is a potential non-conventional water resource that needs better utilization. Our research studied the enabling environment and the political economy of wastewater reclamation and reuse in Palestine. The research team adopted participatory approach that was based on active involvement of all stakeholders in the various phases and activities of this project. The team organized large number of public meetings and national workshops that gathered policy makers as well as representatives of the stakeholder community. The team also implemented a questionnaire survey to study the public perceptions toward wastewater reuse. The research was concluded by a national symposium that gathered more than 200 persons from this community. The major research findings show a national consensus on the importance of wastewater reclamation and reuse in irrigated agriculture. The results show positive knowledge and perceptions of all stakeholders towards reuse of reclaimed wastewater. It also shows that there is a big gap between various institutions related to the subject. It also shows poor collaboration between the academic/research institutions and policy making. The research also emphasizes the importance of onsite systems, especially grey water, for wastewater treatment and reuse as they are low cost and do not require permission of Israeli occupation. The research has a substantial policy impact as it opened opportunities for participatory approaches and dialogue between policy makers and the entire stakeholders’ community