Founded in 1990, the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem [ARIJ] is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the occupied Palestinian territories and the self-reliance of the Palestinian people through greater control over their natural resources.



The Institute works specifically to augment the local stock of scientific and technical knowledge and to introduce and devise more efficient methods of resource utilisation and conservation, improved practices, and appropriate technology.



ARIJ plays an active role in the local community as an advocate for greater co-operation among local institutions, international and non-governmental organisations. In its capacity as a national research institute, it frequently provides current data and research necessary to the formulation of position papers and policy strategies on such issues as land and water resources. Moreover, through its work with donor institutions and regional and international experts, ARIJ promotes an environment conducive to the introduction of new initiatives and ideas and thus serves as a facilitator in the co-ordination of multilateral activities.



Although initially conceived to confront issues facing the agricultural community, ARIJ has since broadened its agenda to include a wide spectrum of environmental concerns. Early research priorities focused on cultivation in marginal lands, livestock production, agro-industries and marketing, and water management and utilisation. As water issues gained precedence, the Water Research Unit and the Rainfed Farming Unit were created to better identify research goals and implement project objectives.