Basic Strategy

The following six basic strategies are proposed in formulating an integrated regional development plan for the Jericho and Jordan Rift Valley area:

Basic Strategy 1:

Jordan Rift Valley is treated as one cluster, strengthening linakges within the region

Basic Strategy 3:

Focal sub-regions are identified for efficient investments

Basic Strategy 4:

Flexible development scenarios are set to be adjustable to future changes

Basic Strategy 5:

Institutional set-up for program implementation

Basic Strategy 6:

Capacity building is integrated into regional development and sector development activities Basic Strategy 2:

Inter-regional linkages are to be strengthened

Basic Strategies

Basic Strategy 1: Jordan Rift Valley is treated as one cluster, strengthening linkages within the region

The Study area encompasses 26 local government units (LGUs) in Jericho governorate, Tubas district and Nablus governorate. The master plan is formulated in such a manner that the Jordan Rift Valley area is one cluster to seek the maximum regional benefit under the integrated regional development plan.

Linkages in the region would be strengthened, for instance, through combining the agricultural and tourism activities. Farmers will provide tourists with fresh and/or processed agricultural products, as well as with the opportunity for agro-tourism, for their mutual benefits.

Basic Strategy 2: Inter-regional linkages are to be strengthened

The geographical uniqueness of the Jordan Rift Valley has various developmental potentials by strengthening the inter-regional linkages. The Study area is relatively well endowed with natural and

cultural resources such as land, water, favorable climate for agriculture, and archeological sites. On the other hand, the population in the Study area is relatively small and the development resources are not well developed yet. Strengthening the inter-regional linkages would make it possible to utilize the geographical advantages and abundant resources for economic development, particularly in the agricultural and tourism sectors. This, in turn, implies that a division of labor will be promoted among several regions in the West Bank and Gaza, making the utmost use of resources available in each region.

Basic Strategy 3: Focal sub-regions are identified for efficient investments Although the master plan covers the entire region,

some focal sub-regions are to be identified for the execution of development activities effectively and efficiently. The focal points should be highly populated areas, crossroads/hubs of transportation networks, water resources, and available land. In addition, the land administrative categories, “Areas A, B and C”, are to be considered. Only 13.6% of the Study area is so far classified as Area A, as noted in Chapter 5.3.2.

Given the above situations, three sub-regions are identified, i.e., (i) the Greater Jericho, (ii) Tubas Highland, and (iii)Wadi al Far’a Valley and Jiftlik.

In addition, (iv) the Bardala/Kardala area is identified as a future development zone with the possibility to develop new towns and agricultural areas.

The development direction in each sub-region is envisaged as follows:

Sub-region 1: The Greater Jericho

Æ Integrated urban development plan formulation (for International Tourism City) Æ Development of tourism infrastructures

Æ Urban environmental consideration (Solid waste, sewerage) Æ Reservation of archeological resources

Greater Jericho Tubas Highland

Wadi Far'a Valley and Jiftlic

Bardala/Kardara (Future)

Source: JICA Study Team / MoP

Figure 6.1.1 Proposed Development Centers in the Jordan Rift Valley

Sub-region 2: Tubas Highland

Æ Integrated community development (water, solid waste, schools, health sector, women) Æ Promotion of agro-processing industry (olive oil, fruit, animal husbandry )

Sub-region 3: Wadi al Far’a Valley and Al Jiftlik

Æ Water resources development and management (storm water capture, irrigation management, water recycling)

Æ Agricultural development (hilly area development, promotion of agro-processing) Æ Agro-based industry/storage

Æ Re-construction of Damiya Bridge for strengthening the agricultural linkage with the Eastern portion of the Jordan Rift Valley

Æ Upgrading the Jiftlik-Nablus, Jiftlik-Tubas-Jenin Road

Basic Strategy 4: Flexible development scenarios are set to be adjustable to future changes Progress in the peace process between

Palestine and Israel would greatly affect regional development in the West Bank. All potential projects should therefore be assessed by identifying constraints. The projects with fewer constraints could be implemented at an earlier stage of the planning period. Figure 6.1.2 illustrates the strategy for flexible development.

Basic Strategy 5: Institutional set-up for program implementation The projects proposed for the master plan will cover various sectors that would be implemented by the different ministries/local governments, as well as by community-based organizations (CBOs). For the program implementation as an integrated regional development plan, en efficient implementation

body should be established to manage and coordinate the projects. For instance, Jordan Valley Authority in Jordan functions as the implementation and coordination agency to cover multi sector activities on the east side of the Jordan Rift Valley. The Joint Council for Service, Planning and Development (JCspd) under the Ministry of Local Government would be a candidate body as a regional development institution.

the actual as of 2005

Low Development Scenario 1. Rehabilitation of Agriculture Secotor

2. Social Improvement Activities 3. Promotion of Domestic Tourism

High Development Scenario 1. Drastic Increase of Agriculture Products 2. Promotion of Export Oriented Agriculture 3. Promotion of Agro-Industry 4. Development Tourism Infrastructure 5. Promotion of Inter-regional Tourism 6. Strengthen Inter-regional Road Network 7. Development of Urban Centers 8. Development of Free Trade Zone 9. Development of Industrial Park 10. Establishment of Development Finance

Constraints for Development

Source: JICA Study Team

Figure 6.1.2 Flexible Development Scenarios

Basic Strategy 6: Capacity building is integrated into regional development and sector development activities

Quick project implementation is expected by the people in the region. On the other hand, the government implementation agencies are not capable enough to operate various development and management activities in the short term, in the terms of administrative experience, number of staff, and management facilities. Capacity development, both for the government administration and the project beneficiaries, should always be integrated into the project implementation through the participatory approach.