| dc.description.abstract | This thesis discusses development challenges for Bedouin in the so-called Area C, West Bank, Palestine, with emphasis on access to water and electricity, and how the policy makers and civil society are addressing them.
The Bedouin are an indigenous, minority group in the area and face many poverty and development challenges. They are in many ways neglected both by the policy makers in Palestine itself, and by the international community. There are however civil society organisations addressing their challenges and that try to solve their problems despite the difficulties they face, especially as Israel is still in control over Area C. The ongoing occupation cause limitations to what the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) can implement in the area. This means that many Bedouin are denied access to the electricity grid and water networks.
The research was conducted for five months in the West Bank, Palestine, through using qualitative research methodology with an emphasis on interviews. The interviews were done with three groups of actors from the PNA level, the civil society level, and Bedouin themselves. There is also a focus on document analysis, in order to understand the governmental plans.
The findings show two particular challenges for development for the Bedouin, and for Palestine in general. The main problem is the ongoing occupation, which is strangling development through denying building permits, and the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in their territory. The other problem is found within the PNA itself, as the development plans are not considering the Bedouin as an own group, but rather as part of the general rural population. | no_NO |
