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Comparison between Egyptian and Kibbutz farmers

CriteriaEgyptian Farmers Kibbutz Farmers
ImagesEgyptian Farmer  Israeli Kibbutz farmers
Role in society - The luxurious life of the Pharaoh and the nobles was made possible by the continual labor of the peasant farmers,
- The diminutive rich upper class ruled with the help of a small scribal administration over the masses of Egyptian workers and peasants living barely above subsistence level,
- Daily life in Egypt focused largely on Agriculture,
- The majority of the population were involved in farming,
- A society dedicated to mutual aid and social justice
- A small minority 7% of the industrial Israeli society
Land property - Farmers would generally work the land of nobles, temples and higher classes in the Social pyramid
- They were paid in Food, clothes and shelter.
- A socioeconomic system based on the principle of joint ownership of property
- equality and cooperation of production, consumption and education
- Equal share in yield and profits
- Kibbutzniks did not individually own animals, tools, or even clothing . Gifts and income received from outside were turned over to the common treasury
Work Conditions - Forced labor - When there were not enough workers on the land to do the harvesting, mobile laborers were often gathered via the corvee
- From birth until death, peasant farmers were usually tied to the land that they worked, even if the land was sold the farmers were still obliged to work that land.
- Families would sometimes rent land from the landowners and pay percentage of the crop yield.
- Volunteer work in community
- The communal life was hard for some people. Every kibbutz saw new members quit after a few years.
Taxes - Granary officials and tax collectors could calculate this yield, and punish any farmer who was late in paying his dues.
- State of Israel did not impose taxes on Kibbutz communities, who were considered as young Jewish pioneers, reclaiming the soil of their ancient homeland
Evolution - The lives of Egyptian farmers remained unchanged for 4000 years - Within 50 Years only, kibbutz farming activities have been partially abandoned in many cases, with hi-tech industries .

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By Ayman Fadl - Copyright © 2001-2014