Agriculture

For most of its length, Zippori Stream passes near or through agricultural lands owned by communities or private farmers. Therefore, as part of the restoration project, it is essential to address the relationship between agriculture, farmers, and the stream – a complex connection with mutual impacts. On one hand, the stream can damage agricultural areas due to flooding in the winter or facilitate the spread of invasive plants and harmful pests into the fields. On the other hand, modern agriculture may harm the stream through runoff of pesticides and fertilizers, soil erosion, and farming too close to the stream channel, which can damage its banks. Cattle and sheep herds can also negatively affect water quality and bank structure when they graze near or within the stream.

The project takes a holistic approach, aiming to create a balance between the needs of agriculture and the preservation of the stream, identifying ways the two can support one another. The agriculture team maintains regular contact with basin farmers to develop optimal solutions for both the farmers and the stream. One of the key actions focuses on reaching agreements with landowners and farmers in areas adjacent to the stream that require restoration and widening. In addition, research is being conducted to explore more environmentally friendly farming practices and reduce the negative impact of agriculture on the stream. This is supported by guidance and tailored support for farmers in implementing environmentally conscious practices on their land, such as sowing wild species along plot edges or planting ground cover on bare soil to prevent erosion.

What are the main goals in this area?

Promote sustainable agriculture in the Zippori Basin through consulting, training, research, financial support for actions, and the establishment of demonstration farms for environmentally friendly and profitable agriculture.
Strengthen cooperation between the Kishon Drainage and Rivers Authority and the farmers of the basin by creating dialogue and agreements with landowners for the restoration and regulation of stream sections that pass through private land.
Manage livestock grazing by reducing its impact on the stream through distancing herds from the stream channel, while improving their productivity and well-being.
Regulate agricultural land usage by formalizing structures that support agriculture and exploring opportunities for tourism use, in order to expand the economic options for farmers in the Zippori Basin.

What are we doing in practice? A few examples…

● We reached agreements with landowners along many stream segments to enable regulation, restoration, and widening of the stream channel.
● We created a handbook that outlines various environmental actions farmers can take on their land. For example, enhancing biodiversity, creating natural buffer strips between the fields and the stream, and reducing soil erosion – all supported financially by the Kishon Drainage and Rivers Authority.
● We are collaborating with researchers from the Volcani Institute to explore more efficient and eco-friendly alternatives for weed control in vineyards and pest management in agriculture common to the Zippori Basin, as substitutes for conventional treatments and spraying.
● We run specialized courses for small-plot holders in the basin, focusing on sustainable agriculture and economic viability for micro-farms.
● The project’s water and agriculture teams are working together with the water associations of El-Ghaba, Shefa-‘Amr, Ras Ali, and the Bustan Saffuriya committee to lay irrigation pipes in agricultural areas. This provides steady water supply and reduces dependence on stream water. (Read more here – link to the Water Resource page)

Stream channel regulation within the Saffuriya orchards. Credit: Avi Arish

Grazing in the stream basin

Cattle, goats, and sheep are an integral part of the unique landscape of the Zippori Stream Basin and of the heritage of some of its communities that have maintained this cultural and economic tradition. However, when herds get too close to the stream or enter it, they may damage the banks, trample vegetation, and pollute the water.
As part of the project, we work together with herd owners to find solutions for distancing grazing from the stream and regulating it. Solutions include placing drinking stations farther from the stream and installing temporary or permanent fencing.
This way, the herds can continue to graze peacefully, without disturbing the stream.

For more information

Case study on "Direct Support for Promoting Sustainable Agriculture" (in Hebrew)

Grazing in the stream channel. Credit: Avi Arish
Laying a water pipe in agricultural fields in Ka'abiya.
Pilot project testing solutions to prevent pollutant runoff from agricultural fields into the stream. Credit: Shai Gilad