Processes of Development as Reflected in Land Use Characteristics of Agricultural Cooperatives in Israel, 1921-1991: A Case Study of the Moshav vs. the Kibbutz

Abstract

The structure and function of the family farm in Israel might become a central theme in discussions on the question of food security in 2050. Therefore, a discussion of the future organizational structure for agricultural production required is an important issue. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the long-term historical development of two different types of rural settlements as part of a broader debate on the future place of the family farm in Israel. Different aspects related to the importance of the family farm as a cost effective production unit are being raised today for assessment in different planning frameworks, and in many cases without any consideration of a historical perspective. The results of our study show that the two communities had become specialized farms and that the family farm also tended to move toward larger sized units that allowed for economies of scale in agricultural production. This article is part of a preliminary research effort towards a comprehensive assessment of this topic and deals with the background and development of two typical organizational structures that were involved in agricultural production in Israel between the years 1921-1991.