The Impact of Climate Change on Socio-Ecological Systems: Challenges for Agricultural Sustainability in Palestine ^†

This research critically examines the ecological constraints that affect sustainable agricultural development in Palestine, a region with a complex political and environmental context. Palestine represents a unique case study of how ecological challenges intersect with geopolitical issues, as the region grapples with both natural limitations and imposed restrictions resulting from ongoing occupation. This study focuses on key ecological constraints, including water scarcity, land degradation, limited access to resources, and climate change, which are exacerbated by military occupation, settlement expansion, and fragmented policies. These factors significantly impact the resilience and sustainability of the agricultural systems in Palestine.

This research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating political ecology, sustainable development theory, and social–ecological systems frameworks. A mixed-methods approach is utilized, combining qualitative, quantitative, and participatory techniques. This includes geospatial analyses, interviews with policymakers, surveys with affected communities, and participatory workshops to co-develop strategies tailored to the specific context. The goal is to develop a Context-Specific Sustainable Development Framework (CSSDF) that aligns ecological conservation with socio-economic needs, even under political constraints.

Key research questions explore the nature and impact of ecological restrictions, evaluate the effectiveness of current policies, and identify adaptive, resource-efficient strategies for building resilience. The study aims to provide actionable recommendations through tools such as Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), ensuring that the findings are based on both scientific data and the practical needs of communities.

This research seeks to bridge the gap between environmental science and the socio-political realities in conflict zones, offering insights into how ecological justice, community-driven adaptation, and integrated governance can promote sustainable development in fragile contexts. Moreover, the findings will be relevant to other regions in the Arab world facing similar challenges, such as Jordan, Lebanon, and parts of North Africa, encouraging regional cooperation on sustainable development initiatives.

By addressing these critical issues, the research aims to contribute to the broader discourse on sustainability in the Arab world, offering a model for sustainable development that is adaptable to politically and ecologically vulnerable regions.