In the village of Atamida, located in the Mit Ghamr center of Dakahlia governorate, Abdelhamid Ali, 35, has been working as a date palm climber for nearly 20 years. He learned the profession from his father and grandparents, who taught him the skills and techniques required to climb and harvest date palms. The work involves several stages, including cleaning the palm, removing excess parts, and pollinating the palm before harvesting the dates.
The journey to becoming a date palm climber begins with training on how to climb the palm and secure one's body while working at great heights. The next step is learning how to use the specialized tools of the trade, such as the "بلطة" (a type of axe) and "مسيف" (a long, curved knife). Climbers must also pass a practical test to demonstrate their ability to work safely and efficiently. According to Abdelhamid, the most challenging part of the job is working at high altitudes, where one misstep could result in a serious fall.
Date palm climbers are in high demand during the harvesting season, which typically takes place in September and October. Their services are sought after not only in Dakahlia governorate but also in other governorates, such as Gharbiya and Sharqiya. The climbers' daily wages vary depending on the task; for example, cleaning a palm tree can earn them around 20 Egyptian pounds, while pollinating a palm tree can bring in around 150 pounds.
Ibraheem Kamal, 40, another resident of Atamida, has been working as a date palm climber since he was a young boy. He initially took up the profession as a hobby but eventually developed the skills and expertise needed to make a living from it. According to Ibraheem, the profession requires a strong heart and focus, as climbers must be aware of their surroundings and movements at all times to avoid accidents.
The work of date palm climbers is not limited to harvesting dates; they also play a crucial role in maintaining the health and productivity of the palm trees. This includes pruning and cleaning the trees, as well as pollinating them to ensure a bountiful harvest. Despite the physical demands and risks involved, many young people in rural Egypt are eager to learn the profession and carry on the tradition.
As the date palm harvesting season comes to a close, climbers like Abdelhamid and Ibraheem can look forward to a well-deserved break before preparing for the next season. Their work is a testament to the importance of preserving traditional professions and passing them down to future generations. With the Egyptian government promoting the development of the agricultural sector, the demand for skilled date palm climbers is likely to remain high.
Key points
- Date palm harvesting is a traditional profession in Egypt that requires great physical strength, agility, and skill.
- The profession involves several stages, including cleaning, pollinating, and harvesting date palms, and is typically carried out during the summer months.
- Despite the challenges and risks involved, many young people in rural Egypt are eager to learn the profession and carry on the tradition.
