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and utilized to irrigate 78 hectares of circular fields through a sophisticated pivoting ramp system. To
further optimize water usage and mitigate extreme temperatures, special plastic polytunnels are
employed. Rum Farm, a remarkable mixed farm spanning 2,000 hectares is a good example of
successful agriculture projects in Wadi Rum. The farm employs between 300-600 workers seasonally.
Wadi Rum Organic Farms, situated near the Saudi Arabian border, cultivates a diverse range of crops,
including grapes, apricots, nectarines, peaches, pears, tomatoes, figs, olives, corn, lettuce, oranges,
mandarin, grapefruit, dates and various vegetables including potatoes cabbage, broccoli, squash,
loquat, dates and more. The production of Wadi Rum farms contributes significantly to Jordan's
national food supply. The Farms a testament to the potential of innovative agricultural practices in
even the most challenging environments.

Demographic Trends:
Wadi Rum, located in southern Jordan, is predominantly inhabited by Bedouins, a semi-nomadic Arab group
with strong ties to the desert. These people have traditionally engaged in activities such as herding camels
and goats, and living in tents. The Bedouin tribes in Wadi Rum maintain a deep connection to the desert
culture. However, the region is undergoing demographic changes due to migration, education, and the
growing tourism industry.
Tourism has become a significant part of the local economy, bringing both opportunities and challenges.
Many Bedouins have migrated to larger cities like Aqaba and Amman for better employment prospects, while
others work in tourism-related fields, such as running guesthouses and guiding desert tours. This influx of
people from other regions has made the population more diverse, with a growing number of individuals
involved in the tourism industry. The demand for tourism services has also led to increased job opportunities,
though it has contributed to the migration of younger generations seeking better education and work in
urban centers.

The youth in Wadi Rum, influenced by education and modern economic opportunities, are increasingly
leaving the area, resulting in a shift away from traditional occupations. As a result, gender roles are evolving,
with more women entering the workforce, particularly in tourism and hospitality, although traditional roles
in the household remain important. The population is predominantly Arabic-speaking and Muslim, with
religion and cultural practices playing a central role in daily life.

The region's future demographic trends will depend on its ability to manage the growing tourism industry
while preserving the Bedouin way of life and maintaining its unique cultural heritage.

Challenges Faced by Local Communities:

Wadi Rum faces significant challenges in balancing cultural preservation with the pressures of modernization.
While tourism has brought substantial economic benefits to the region, it has also raised concerns about the
sustainability of the environment and the fragile desert ecosystem. The increasing number of visitors has
contributed to environmental degradation, with littering and erosion becoming major issues. Heavy foot
traffic, particularly from off-road vehicles, has further exacerbated this problem, damaging the landscape
and disturbing wildlife habitats. Additionally, illegal hunting has led to the decline of local wildlife, threatening
the area's biodiversity.

Water scarcity is another pressing issue for Wadi Rum, as it is an arid desert region. The limited availability
of water affects agricultural activities and places stress on local communities who depend on it for daily life.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect
those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA
can be held responsible for them.