Field Mapping
Mapping Barriers to Bedouin Participation in Planning Institutions
The Challenge
The lack of Bedouin representation in planning bodies in the Negev leads to planning that does not reflect the community’s needs and deepens residents’ mistrust of these institutions - a reality that fuels frustration, conflict, and even violence. To achieve genuine Bedouin representation in planning bodies and relevant committees, it is essential to understand why the situation is as it is today and what barriers prevent Bedouins from entering these frameworks.
The Process
During the mapping process, we conducted in-depth interviews with a wide range of people: educators and academics, professionals, and Bedouin students of urban planning. Drawing on these interviews, along with knowledge gathered from additional studies across research institutes, civil society, and government bodies, we built a snapshot that provides a clearer understanding of the field’s complexity, the current numerical situation, the potential in terms of students and training programs, and how the planning landscape looks today.
The Outcome
We presented the current situation in the education system, in the “transition year” programs, in secondary education in planning-related subjects, in the labor market, and in planning bodies among the Bedouin community. We also visually and clearly illustrated the path taken by those who advanced and are now active in the field.
The Impact
In conclusion of this stage of the research, we found that early exposure to a planned environment, to the idea of planning, and to the professions and opportunities in the field of planning is of great importance.
Today, although there is still no Bedouin professional representation in planning committees, signs of change are beginning to appear – such as the opening of an architecture track in the south of the country and a dedicated scholarship program for training planners from the Bedouin community. There is considerable activity in the field of planning within the Bedouin society, yet significant perceptual, social, bureaucratic, and political barriers remain unaddressed.
Contact Us
Noam@ClearVision.org.il
Tal Kamil - 972-50-7425303
Noam Werner - 972-52-3864893
Ramot Menashe 1924500
Every challenge is unique – and we craft a tailored visual thinking process that turns complexity into clarity and impact.
