Tafileh, Nov. 11 (Petra) -- Centuries-old olive trees in Tafileh, some believed to be more than 1,000 years old, are facing mounting pressure from declining rainfall, drying springs and agricultural pests, threatening one of southern Jordan's oldest farming traditions.

The governorate is home to approximately 15,000 dunums of irrigated olive groves and a similar area of rain-fed plantations across Tafileh, Busaira, Hasa and surrounding areas.

Agricultural studies suggest that some trees have survived for more than a millennium, with trunks measuring nearly two meters in diameter, underscoring their historical and environmental significance.

The groves, which stretch across hillsides and valleys alongside ancient agricultural terraces, have long provided food and income for local communities. Remains of traditional stone olive presses scattered throughout the area reflect the crop's deep roots in Tafileh's economic and social history.

Historian Suleiman Al Qawabaa said olive oil from Tafileh was once transported to the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to illuminate its lamps, illustrating the region's longstanding connection to olive cultivation.

Today, however, the water sources that sustained these plantations for generations are steadily diminishing.

Agricultural specialists say Tafileh historically had around 365 natural springs, many of which have since dried up or experienced significant declines in water flow. Most remaining springs now produce only limited quantities, often insufficient to irrigate nearby groves.

Farmers Ali Al Saud, Khaled Al Mazaydeh and Ahmad Al Mahasneh said reduced rainfall, irregular precipitation and shrinking water supplies have contributed to the deterioration of some plantations in Tafileh and Busaira.

They also reported yellowing foliage and increasing infestations of agricultural pests, including twig borers and psyllids, adding to farmers' costs and affecting production.

The farmers called for projects to rehabilitate natural springs, improve irrigation efficiency and establish small dams and water harvesting facilities to secure additional supplies.

They also urged greater support for the restoration of ancient olive trees, citing their economic value and potential contribution to environmental conservation and rural tourism.

Houd Al Hawamleh, head of the Agricultural Extension Department at the Tafileh Agriculture Directorate, said the traditional Baladi olive variety remains particularly suited to the governorate's conditions because of its tolerance to water shortages and climatic fluctuations.

Other varieties face greater challenges. The Manzanillo variety, locally known as Nabali, requires suitable temperatures for fruit maturation, while Turkish varieties need more irrigation water to achieve satisfactory yields.

Tafileh Agriculture Director Bilal Al Huloul said the directorate is implementing programs to rehabilitate aging trees, maintain springs and improve agricultural practices to protect the governorate's olive production.

He said the initiatives include technical guidance on tree care, harvesting methods and the cultivation of varieties better adapted to local environmental conditions.

Al Huloul stressed the need for continued field research and agricultural support to address the effects of irregular rainfall, water shortages and pest infestations.

Arafat Al Marayat, head of the Tafileh branch of the Farmers Union, called for investment in dams and water storage facilities to support olive growers and livestock breeders.

He said existing springs also require rehabilitation, including repairs to irrigation channels and protective structures to reduce contamination, evaporation and water loss.

Agricultural research identifies the Levant as the ancestral home of olive cultivation, from which the tree spread to other parts of the Mediterranean.

In Tafileh, the ancient groves remain an important part of that heritage, with their preservation increasingly dependent on sustainable water management and continued support for local farmers.

//Petra// RZ

11/11/2026 12:31:25