‘Following the plough’: the Agricultural Environment of Northern Jordan

Abstract

This paper documents disappearing agricultural practices in northern Jordan. The fieldwork for the study was conducted between 1989 and 1992. The paper sets out the local classification of crops and the main events of the agricultural year. It includes a discussion of traditional measures for seed and land. Tillage is central to good crop management practices and the ard, or scratch-plough, is also discussed. Changes in agricultural practice, as described by the older farmers, or fallāhīn, are presented. It is suggested that the agricultural practices detailed have a broad Mediterranean and Near Eastern application for the understanding of past agricultural systems.