Employment and Unemployment among the Negev Bedouin. Nomadic Peoples. Vol.4. No.2, 2000. Pp:84-93


Abu Rabia A.

NOMADIC PEOPLES, vol.4, no.2, pp.84-93, 2000 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 4 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2000
  • Journal Name: NOMADIC PEOPLES
  • Page Numbers: pp.84-93
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: No

Abstract

This article deals with employment, and the problem of unemployment, among the Bedouin of the Negev. Today, the Negev Bedouin can be divided into two main groups, according to the manner of their settlement: Those who ~esidein seven towns, planned by the authorities: Rahat, Tel al-Saba' (Tel-Sheva), Kuseifa, ,Ar'ara, Shqeb al-Salam (Segev Shalom), Hura and Laqiya; and those who reside in dispersed, unauthorised settlements and live outside the seven towns, in concentrations of varying size. There is also a very small group of semi-nomads. The Bedouin population in the Negev is today (1999) estimated at approximately 110,000.Close to 60 per cent of them live in the seven towns, the remaining 40 per cent of the Bedouin live in tribal settlements, in clusters of huts, wooden, metal, or baked mud huts, in tents made of goat hair, jute bags, or plastic sheets, or in houses built of concrete blocks or stones. The Bedouin living outside the seven towns continue to raise livestock, in flocks ranging in size from a few heads to over 200. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that the Bedouin in the Negev have some 200,000 head of sheep and 5,000 of goats. The Bedouin estimate, which is very likely closer to the mark, is that there are 230,000 sheep and 20,000 goats. 

The lack of qualifications and the dearth of employment opportunities in and near the Bedouin towns in the Negev, are the main reasons for unemployment. Most Bedouin men work outside their places of residence. The high incidence of migrant labour prevents women from the Bedouin towns and dispersed settlements from working outside. These Bedouin women believe, however, that the acquisition of higher education is the key to better jobs and a higher status in their society. Indeed, there is a need for improving the levels of education, in humanistic subjects and languages, as well as in vocational and occupational programmes, so that all Bedouin can acquire skills and train for various professions. There is a need for establishing small business enterprises and employment opportunities in the towns and dispersed settlements. This would allow more Bedouin men and women to enter employment. The social and cultural background of the Bedouin should be taken into account in planning and developing employment opportunities, and they should be allowed to enjoy all the opportunities open to the citizens of a westernised and industrialised state. Due to socio-cultural and religious differences, as well as for political and economic reasons, the Israeli state has never viewed the development of Bedouin society as a first priority. Only an explicit government policy of equality for all citizens, combined with a massive investment of educational and economic resources, could change conditions in the Negev.