ABSTRACT
The Israeli Center for International Agricultural Development, has conceived the development of integrated agricultural projects by linking private or individual enterprise with public incentives. The role of government in cases is to provide a basic infrastructure and some financial resources for an adequate research and extension delivery system. This chapter discusses the many social, economic and environmental changes caused by the confrontation between the continuing urbanisation process and the surrounding rural areas. The changes in the urban-rural relationships have some positive aspects, such as the various ways in which farms become specialized to meet the growing needs of the city for agricultural products, agro-industry and agro-tourism. Difficulties in achieving good performance in irrigating small plots are a serious limiting factor in the development of irrigation for small farmers. The chapter provides detailed information on the model, on the project’s organizational and social aspects, and on the characteristics of the technical aspects.
