Dr. Oren
Hoffman
Lead Researcher for Sustainable Agriculture
Related topics
Research center
Education
BSc Agriculture & Land Management
Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel)
MA Desert Studies
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Israel)
PhD Dryland Ecohydrology
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Israel)
About
Dr. Oren Hoffman was born and raised in Kibbutz Ketura, and has a deep connection to the surrounding natural and agricultural landscape. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in plant sciences and agronomy, with a focus on ecology and natural resource conservation from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a Master’s degree in Desert Studies from Ben Gurion University, studying feedbacks between the vegetation and landforming processes of runoff and erosion in the Negev desert. His PhD research focused on assessing vegetation community and ecosystem responses to environmental drivers using a structural-functional state and transition model.
After three years of postdoctoral research at UC Davis, studying the ecology and management of organic farming in California, including crop livestock integration and adding perennials to the crop rotation, Dr. Hoffman returned in 2022 to live in Kibbutz Ketura, and continue his research as Director of the Arava Institute’s Center for Sustainable Agriculture.
Research Projects
Biogas Digestate Fertilization
The project explores the use of small-scale biogas systems as a sustainable solution for managing raw chicken manure in agricultural systems.
Introducing Native Plants into Gardening and Agriculture Systems
The project focuses on integrating native plant species into agricultural systems and community landscapes in the Arava region.
Negev Highlands Traditional Bedouin Agriculture
The project focuses on reviving traditional Bedouin agricultural practices, conserving native medicinal plant species, and documenting Indigenous ecological knowledge in the Negev Highlands.
Ancient Dates
Reviving 2,000-year-old date palms to explore ancient agriculture, biodiversity, and future resilience.
Water & Nutrient Management of Trees
Argania Spinosa
The project integrates decades of agricultural research with applied innovation, with the goal of establishing a sustainable, locally based argan oil industry in the region.
The Sonia Twite Shelter Garden
The Shelter Garden is a conservation and research initiative focused on protecting rare desert plants and restoring biodiversity in the Arava. It combines science, education, and community engagement in a living, accessible landscape.
AgriPV Applied Research
The project investigates agrivoltaic (AgriPV) systems—integrating photovoltaic energy generation with agricultural production—to advance sustainable, off-grid farming solutions in arid environments.